Japanese classic
Morphed from a show concept car, Toyota’s original Celica arguably was never improved on as a shape with immediate and broad appeal.
Our feature on the series notes: “The Celica was expensive when pitted against local models like the six-cylinder Torana and even V6 versions of the Capri. However Toyota’s sights were set on the emerging ‘personal car’ segment where style and features were bigger selling points than how quickly you could screech away from the traffic lights.”
While early versions in Australia generally had a pretty modest powertrain spec, that is a 1600 single-cam engine, they have proved to have lasting appeal as a classic.
This example appears to be running a 2.0lt engine with five-speed manual and is claimed by the seller to be rust-free. Located in Merimbula NSW, it’s on the market at $50,000.
Video: 1976 Toyota Celica – today’s tempter