While the 1970s may not have been a great era for cars, it was a great era for car sunroofs. Today Nice price or no dice Celica is for all the roof lovers out there. Let’s find out if the price of this dealer-supplied coupe means it’s made in the shade.
When it comes to internal combustion car engines, it seems that even counts of the cylinder usually dominates the day. Already have an odd number of odd numbered cylinders engine over the years. this 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile is powered by a single while some automakers have found the trio to be the ticket. Sound that for an odd number of cylinders, five is the highest that most manufacturers are willing to use. To get more, you need to dive into the sea world or aviation engines where things like free-travel seven and nine-cylinder engines.
The Audi S6 Avant 1995 we saw yesterday there is a five cylinder under its hood. It was a common practice for Audis at the time, even leading to an average ad campaign that wisely said “four is too little and six is too much.” OK, whatever. That liberal attitude is also evident in the reaction All you have to do is pay Audi’s $14,995 asking price. With countless imperfections in the body, machine and interior, it’s just a pill too big to swallow for most people.with the result an overwhelming 93 percent No dice loss.
Today 1977 Toyota Celica GT Lifting even more expensive than yesterday’s Audi, but to combat that it is in much better condition. And, it has a canopy. If you’re like me – and I know you are – then you’re completely dig up sunroofs on 70s cars.
Toyota introduced the Celica to the U.S. market in 1971 as the company’s answer to Ford’s wildly popular Mustang horse-drawn carriage. Like the Capri developed by Ford himself in Europe, Celica has taken that carriage form factor and shrunk it down to a class size.
Follow that first notchback coupe, Toyota went full White Single Woman on the Mustang, introduced the Celica Liftback, almost a replica of the ’68 Mustang, just below the flaps of the sail panel and the Kammback rock.
What do they say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery? Today, Ford would likely sue Toyota for intellectual property infringement on such a design.
This Liftback is painted in a beautiful burgundy color, based on photographs of teenagers, seems to be a respray. While we’re under that bonnet, let’s love all the aftermarket chrome that has been applied to the 20R SOHC 2.2 liter four engine and its accessories. That looks pretty fancy, but more importantly, it all looks clean and tidy.
The four Celica engines managed 96 hp from the factory, a decent amount for the time, especially the with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. This car has an optional three-speed automatic transmission with manual shift paddles, so it can be more of a cruiser than a crumpled car.
The cabins around that shifter look in pretty good shape too. The front seats have been re-upholstered with non-available materials, but the rear seats look completely original. As advertised, the gauges at the bottom of the center stack do not work, nor do – take this – the CB radio. Other interior issues include some obvious wear on the steering wheel rims and gear lever. However, the carpet, dashboard and door cards are all in good condition.
On the outside, only some of the window trim has faded and the rear bumper is gaudy, detracting from the overall appeal. However, those are overshadowed, by the aforementioned rear shutters and a deep and well-timed front windshield. As the seller notes, this will suit a primitive Cars and Coffee participant.
On the technical side, the meter has only 57,210 miles and the ad brags that the car runs great and is a solid citizen. A clear title goes along with the asking price of $19,950. Now let’s get down to business with this car and that price tag.
What do you say, is this classic Celica worth $19,950 when it sits? Or, “classic” and “Toyota” don’t fit such a claim?
You decide!
Worcester, Connecticut, Craigslistor go This if the ad disappears.
H/T to Don R. to connect!
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