When it comes to designing cars, Toyota follows a very predictable pattern: first, they identify a market where they want to be. Then, they enter the market with a terribly inadequate vehicle, and are ridiculed for it. Lastly, they evolve the design year after year until they finally figure the formula out. This pattern is seemingly everywhere: the Camry, the Celica, the MR2, the large pickup (T100/Tundra), and so forth.
This evolutionary approach to car design works really well when it comes to vehicles that do what they're supposed to do without much fanfare. The Camry, for example, is America's favorite car because it's so incredibly forgettable. The same is true of the Tundra—a pickup truck is a tool, not a thing to be longed for. It doesn't work terribly well in the sports car market, where cars really do need to be over-the-top or at least partially groundbreaking. Hence, Toyota has discontinued both the MR2 and the Celica; they're both dependable and sensible little sporty cars, which is why sales were so poor. People don't generally buy sensible sporty cars.
As reliable and well-engineered as these models end up, however, they all started out life as odd little vehicles that never really fit in very well.
The Celica was no exception. Introduced in 1970, the Celica came to market at approximately the same time as the Datsun 240Z and was among the first Japanese sports cars to post serious sales in the US. 1970 was a time when sales of British roadsters (such as the Triumph TR6) were falling and although muscle car production would hold strong for another two or three years, it would be until the late 1970s before Americans really started to take Japanese seriously. The 240Z was a great little car, and its sales through the 1970s reflect that, but the Celica stumbled until Toyota found its niche in the 1980s as a small FWD sporty car.
The first generation Celica was produced for seven years (until 1977, for all you math majors out there) with relatively few changes. All Celicas have always been fitted with four-cylinder engines, although the 1st gen LT and ST models came with a 1.6L and the GT (available from 1974) got a 2.0L. Although later Celicas were FWD cars, these early models were exclusively RWD.
Early Celicas were sometimes called Japanese Mustangs (or something similar) because, well, they really did look an awful lot like Mustangs.
Now, let's take a look at a Mustang.
They look really similar from the back, but it's difficult to find high-quality pictures of the back end of a 1st gen Celica Liftback.
Collectability: Poor. If you want a classic Japanese sports car, buy a 240Z.
Here's why.
(+) The Celica launched the 4-cylinder sports car market. I'm not sure if there are too many people who are nostalgic about 4-banger sporty cars that aren't hatchbacks or sedans or at least FWD, but I suspect they exist. The Celica is really the oldest Japanes car available in the US that represents that segment.
(+) It's cheap. You can get a strong early Celica for as much as you'd pay for a rusty Datsun or a trashed Triumph. If you're into old imported sports cars, there really aren't many cheaper ways to go.
(-) It's not a 240Z. The 240Z is a better car than the Celica for two reasons: the 240Z is gorgeous, and the 240Z came with an inline-6.
(-) No ten-year-olds have posters of 1st gen Celicas. Not even in 1972. Toyota positioned the car as a sporty subcompact—and that doesn't make for a very attractive car. Ask Geo; it's not a good market to be in.
(-) Although a lot were made, they're hard to find. The problem here is that most people don't consider 1970s Japanese cars to be all that collectible. The same person who would actively seek a buyer for a rusting 1950s Chevrolet sitting on their property probably wouldn't do the same for a Celica, even if it were in better shape. These old imports just aren't worth most people's time, even to sell.
Expect to pay: $2,000 for a really solid Celica GT.
What to look for:
- The GT model is worth the premium. You'll be happier with the performance over the ST.
- As always, take a good look for rust in the wheel wells, in the trunk, and along any body rails.
- Don't spring for a bargain on a crappy Celica—these cars don't appreciate enough to justify any serious work.
- Really, just buy a 240Z instead.
Toyota is fast becoming the No.1 Car Manufacturer rivaling General Motors, So a Toy Classic is a good investment as they are getting more & more popular, Just check on the net for mk1 celica clubs & forums
While I agree that the classic Celica has a healthy enthusiast following, I don't think that Toyota's imminent top-manufacturer status is going to do much. GM was the #1 auto maker for four decades and there are many dark times when it did squat for the collectibility of the cars they made: from 1975 to 1983 or so, I can't think of a single example.
Cars are collectible because of the essence in the car, not how big the manufacturer is then or now. The Celica hasn't ever been a passionate enouh car to make it all that compelling.
I would like to have a toyota celica get '76 or '77 coupe,not hatchback to rebuild. Any ideas?
John-
Depends entirely on where you're looking. Rebuildable (i.e., not yet rebuilt) Celicas of that vintage certainly aren't worth whatever it would cost to ship them, so you'd almost certainly want to find one near where you live.
As always, I recommend craigslist or something similar.
--Dan
I LOVE THIS CAR SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! MUSTANGS ARE SO AWESOME......
i have a 1977 toyota celica GT like the one above, it is a 1st gen liftback, but it is a dirt track car now.. might be for sale, make offer. email me.!!
i have a 1977 toyota celica GT 1st gen dirt track car.. just like the pic.. make offer???
I could be interested in the 77 Celica. Holla @ ya boy.
selling 72 to 77 celica contact me on 0403795663 realy want one
My girlfriend has a pretty sweet '77 Celica ST. Looks just like the picture above the red mustang.
I AM LOOKING FOR A 77 CELICA HOOD IN RESTORABLE CONDITION.IF THERE ARE ANY OUT THERE PLEASE SEND PICTURES
Josh-
Fantastic!
ROY-
I always recommend the auto parts section of your local Craigslist.
--D
i have owned 1975 st 1600 coupe for 20 years spent too much to tell like to see a better one they are one of a kind
I have a 1977 Toyota Celic GT hatchback that I am willing to sell. I am the third owner of the car since 1992. The car has a new engine (between 20-30,000 original miles)- installed summer of 2003. I have many parts that are packed in boxes. I also have an automatic transmission for the same model that I am willing to sell. The transmission is from the same car (source) as the new engine. My car has a standard trany, little rust, in very good shape for it's age. I will post photos soon.
Hi I have a 1980 gt celica lift back but I live in west palm beach florida,and here nobody have parts, ¿are you know some one hwo have parts? here in florida??? Email me please. thanks.
please let me know hwo have parts for my 1980 gt celica lift back,here in florida, I live at west palm beach...
I have a 1977 celica that I'm selling. rebuilt 20r with brand new clutch and rear main seal, and brand new bearing for the drive shaft. body is very straight and no rust. interior is complete but needs some work. email me for pics or for any questions. thanks
ortiz how can i get in contact with u about ur celica
You can give me a call if you wanna know about my celica on 0425 787 764(Australia) or email me 'oscardetailing@hotmail.com'. How did you come to hear about it?
The first and second gen celicas were the best. The first gen was 1970-1974. The second gen was 1975-1977. I have had a '72st,'74lt,'75gt,'77gt, and still have my '71st. All ended up being powered by a modified 20r with a 5 speed. The nose on the first gen is alot shorter than the second gen and makes it a tighter fit, but it is still do-able. I wouldn't give you a penny for all the 240s in the world, but would love to have another second gen celica. Parts are hard to find, but certain corrolla and older pick up parts interchange. You canalso fix or build most parts that are not available.
Toyotas are the BEST BUILT CARS for the money today.The 77 Celica is a beautyful car.
If anyone out there is looking to sell a 1977 (or earlier) Celica, please e-mail me. I am very much interested in buying one. I'd take one of these over a Mustang, Camaro, 240Z, etc...These are great little cars that don't get enough credit for their coolness. Thanks in advance.
P.S. I am in the New York metropolitan area
@ Thomas with the 77 dirt track car. Is it still for sale?
I want to know if my Celica 1983 lift back, rwd ,with a 2tb is considered a colectible car, It´s an old school? It´s the last generation of Celicas with rear traction.
Fernando-
The A40 and A60 Celicas (like your 1983) share their platform with the MkI and MkII Supra, which steals a lot of the attention since it's a higher-end model with a substantially more powerful engine. In terms of sheer collectability, the A60 is not as far up there as the first generation Celica.
But, A60s are nevertheless great cars. Keep it running strong and looking good!
--D
Hey Fernando! Can you send me the photos of the Celica that looks like a MUSTANG TO MY EMAIL SITE? sOME ENGINE AND INTERIOR PHOTOS TOO? Thanks! Paul Kovach.
Looking for 1975 to 77 celica with possibly 18RG engine to build into rally car.