1976 Toyota Celica RA23 – Today’s Tempter
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Private collection being downsized: incredible condition with lots of money in it
Toyota’s Celica arrived in the early 70s with its sights set firmly on the emerging ‘personal coupe’ segment with placed features and style ahead of outright performance.
It struggled to gain its footing initially; priced $650 more than a Torana GTR, but without the grunt, and without the prestige of a European badge.
The Ford Capri took the biggest hit however, with the hot-looking Japanese hardtop snatching the segment’s sales crown and resulting in the Capri bowing two years later in 1973.
The Celica was a trailblazer in the small-coupe aussie market; with (initially) no real clear rivals in this size offering such great pillarless looks.
The ‘baby mustang’ liftback was an even bigger hit and remains the most sought-after today, in an already-strong early-Celica market.
This 1976 RA23 Celica – if Australian delivered – would have come with the lacklustre 1.6lt single-cam, but this one’s the Japanese Celica GT’s twin-cam, Yamaha head 2.0lt unit fitted, with management handled by a Haltech ECU.
The car presents in outstanding condition both outside and in, it’s been repainted in a deep maroon colour (originally blue) and features a totally original and pristine interior.
The car is reportedly part of a large private collection which is being downsized, and comes with plenty of receipts dating back to 2005.
The car will also come with an aircon compressor in the box (the engine has a bracket mount for the compressor, but it hasn’t yet been fitted), and a second set of wheels is also available.
Early Celicas enjoy strong demand, especially when comparatively few come to market. This is one of the nicest we’ve seen in recent and would make an awesome, fun and striking weekender!
The car is based in Queensland, and is listed for $35,000 (or nearest offer).
Check out the full listing here!
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
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