I got my tonsils removed earlier this summer, so you’d think I’d have gotten my fill of pudding on my two week-long soft diet, but this 1980 Toyota Celica GT Sunchaser looks like a big bowl of butterscotch pudding, and I’m ready to take a bite! If this looks like the cool, sweet summer treat you’ve been craving, tootle on over here to craigslist, where you’ll find this “car show worthy” droptop on offer for $8,500 in Toledo, Ohio. Thanks to reader Jay Bird for the tip!
The second-generation Celica was the first production Toyota designed at the company’s California Calty Design Research studio, so it’s a little surprising that the Newport Beach sunshine didn’t inspire a factory convertible variant, but the Sunchaser was a conversion—made with Toyota’s approval and sold through Toyota dealers—done by the Griffith Company. Most likely Toyota was deterred by the uncertain regulatory environment in the ’70s that made it seem like convertibles would become a thing of the past. In any event, the Sunchaser nods to safety and structural rigidity by preserving the base Celica coupe’s B-pillars and connecting them with a padded roll bar. A rigid fiberglass panel snaps in place over the front seats, while a fabric roof folds down at the rear.
So you can cruise Targa-style or drop the top entirely, but you won’t actually be chasing the sun all that quickly; the 2.2-liter SOHC 20R inline four was good for only 90 horsepower in 1980. It’s no Supra. At least in this case it’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the 20R is legendarily sturdy and economical, and it shouldn’t unduly tax the Celica’s compromised body structure. Only 58,400 miles show on the five-digit odometer; the car has recently been repainted, but I still wouldn’t be surprised if that’s original mileage.
That’s because the interior is in remarkably good condition, with no cracks in the dash and no tears in the glen plaid fabric upholstery. There’s factory air for all-season comfort, and a period-appropriate aftermarket Kenwood stereo with cassette—thank goodness there’s a handy cassette storage cubby just ahead of the shifter!
The seller claims this as the 290th of 500 Sunchasers made; other sources I found list production of over 2,000 cars from 1979-1981, but maybe that 500 figure only represents the 1980 model year. No matter—either way, this is a fairly rare little Japanese-American confection, and this is likely one of the nicest surviving examples. The roll bar roof setup may not be the most elegant, but it perfectly captures the era in which this car was made—and when it’s summertime, as long as you can put the top down, life is sweet!
Wow! I’ve never seen a nicer one. If I were closer, I would give this a serious look due to the prices of some older Japanese models escalating possibly making it a good buy. Besides, just like trucks, there is always someone looking for a sweet ride to let the sunshine in.
There was a “Targa” craze going on in the 1980’s. The list of cars with a lift out panel and a folding rear section is extensive and made them upscale (Jaguar, Porsche and BMW had them). It wasn’t convenient. You had a large panel to deal with and a ragtop in the back. A design concept that never really lasted. If you want a leaky roof design, this is it. For whatever reason, I still like the design and this is a real nice find. I am sure this feels faster with the roof out.
Great pic! The AMC “Sundancer” conversion, available on the Concord or the AWD Eagle (!), was also done by the Griffith Company, just like the Celica Sunchaser. Very similar B-pillar treatment; I wouldn’t be shocked to learn that the soft top at the rear is the same in both the Celica and the AMC.
That interior reminds me of those tacky sport coats that Ronnie Raygun used to wear….shudder………..
Lovely looking car. I used to see one where I lived growing up. I’ve always found the 1980-81 Toyota Celica the best. The price isn’t bad for the car. I could pay $8500 for car in this condition. :)
I had one back in college around 1986, yellow GT 5 speed. Leaked like a sieve where the weatherstripping was cut at the A and B pillars. Rear window was a cloud of opaque plastic. I knew a guy with a Lancia Zagato and liked the top configuration but the aftermarket conversion didn’t have the same rigidity. I had a Porsche 914 and the top latches were a positive hook and latch system where the Sunchaser just clamped down against the mating surfaces. I liked that you could drop the back or remove the top or both. Still a cool looking car with a lot of memories and this one looks to be in great shape.
Toyota worked with a couple different conversion companies with this era of cars. A few years ago I had a 1981 Toyota Celica convertible done by Grandeur conversions. It had been in storage for 18 years and needed some TLC to get back on the road. Overall it was a fun car but I could not afford to keep two classic vehicles so I sold it. Sometimes I wish I kept that and sold my 71 Chevy truck instead.
I’ve always loved the 1980 and 81 Toyota Celica. They’re powered by the same engine that’s used in the Hilux pickup truck of the same vintage, the 20R engine.
Very nice example of a limited car! Love the vision it took to put it together!
I saw one of these at a car show a few years back. Pretty cool concept, but the one I saw was pretty beat up….kinda like the 50 year old lady driving it
That’s a fun look and ride. The engine is bulletproof.