Toyota Celica 2.2 Liter 4 1978
General description :
THREE OWNERS, BELIEVED $17K ORG MILES, REPAINTED, 5 SPD, BONE STOCK, RUNS GREAT!
If you've been paying attention for the past year or so, you know that Japanese cars are finding new homes with collectors. Early Z-cars, the Toyota 2000GT, and the Honda S600 are all seeing a resurgence in interest as the guys who enjoyed them as kids now have a chance to buy back their childhood. And this 1978 Toyota Celica is no exception, with just 17,704 believed original miles that offers wonderful driving dynamics and a handsome look that will bring back memories.
And that's really what this hobby is all about: memories. Many of you probably remember cars like this being ubiquitous on US roads, but when was the last time you saw one? Wait, scratch that. When was the last time you saw one that wasn't rusted to oblivion? This one has been recently repainted, since the original '70s gold paint color wasn't exactly setting the world on fire, and we have to agree that the bright yellow finish suits the sporty Celica just fine. The bodywork is shockingly straight and clean and thanks to the low mileage, all the totally unobtainable parts are still in place and in excellent condition. Build quality is typical Toyota with nice gaps and neat trim and this car doesn't look almost 40 years old, does it? The styling has really held up well! The big black rubber bumpers don't look as awkward on this car as on so many of its contemporaries (I'm looking at you Mercedes 450SL) and the rear window slats are a performance look that practically defined the 1970s. Yeah, it's safe to say that we dig this car.
The tan bucket seat interior is totally original, which, given the mileage, shouldn't be surprising to anyone. What is surprising is how modern it feels from behind the wheel, with supportive seats, a great driving position, and a slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox. The carpets are a little dirty and the horn button is missing, but the list of faults in this car is notably short. We love the little metal cages on the vents, the bright, crisp instruments that look suspiciously like those in a 1970 Camaro, and the very 1970s compartmentalization of all the controls like the set of some sci-fi show. The back seat is well-contoured for two and really uncomfortable for three and under the hatch there's a huge storage area that offers nice carpets and a tie-down strap for your cargo.
The 2200cc inline-four feels energetic and eager, moving the lightweight Celica with ease. Typical of Toyota, it's really packed in there, but thanks to its bulletproof reliability and low mileage, you won't need to spend a ton of time under here. It's quite stock, from the air cleaner assembly to the hose clamps to the decals in their proper places and its low mileage status is apparent everywhere you look. The 5-speed is a slick shifter and yes, this Celica is rear-wheel drive, making it a very entertaining handler on twisty roads. It's quite clean underneath with no issues and plenty of originality and the single exhaust system gives it just the right 4-cylinder buzz to match its look. Fresh Minilite-style wheels have been fitted, and they're exactly the right choice, especially with modern 14-inch Goodyear radials wrapped around them.
Go ahead, try to find a nicer one. And don't laugh, because Japanese cars are the next big thing. No, this one won't make you rich overnight, but we'll wager that there will always be a line of guys eagerly waiting to own this Celica. Call today!
Features : Seatbelts-Rear, Defrost, AM/FM Radio, Heat, Vinyl Interior, Front Disc Brakes, Fuel Injection, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Rear Defogger, Seatbelts-Front
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/1420-dfw/1978-toyota-celica
1978 Toyota Celica 2.2 Liter 4 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $9995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Toyota Model : Celica Model Version : 2.2 Liter 4 Engine size : 2.2 Model Year : 1978 Sub type : Sedan Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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About Toyota
Toyota, a name that has become synonymous with reliability and sensibility in the world of automobiles. Let's take a leisurely stroll through the history of this remarkable Japanese marque.Our story begins in the late 1930s when a modest textile machinery company, Toyota Industries, decided to dip its toes into the world of automobiles. It was a humble beginning, but little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey that would change the automotive landscape forever.
Fast forward to 1957, and we have the introduction of the Toyota Crown, a car that signaled Toyota's ambitions to compete on the global stage. It was sensible, well-built, and it set the tone for what Toyota would become known for - reliability.
But if we're talking about Toyota's foray into the world of high-performance sports cars, we can't ignore the Toyota 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, it was a thing of beauty. Sleek, low-slung, and powered by a silky-smooth inline-six engine. It was Japan's answer to the European sports car establishment, and it put Toyota on the map as a builder of more than just sensible family cars.
Then came the Toyota Celica in the 1970s, a sporty compact coupe that captured the hearts of many. It was affordable, fun to drive, and it helped establish Toyota's reputation for building cars that were both practical and enjoyable.
But if we're talking about Japanese sports cars that made a statement, the Toyota Supra deserves a special mention. First introduced in 1978, it became a legend in its own right. With its powerful inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, it was a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track. The Supra is a car that enthusiasts still drool over, even today.
And then, there's the Land Cruiser. It's not just an off-roader; it's an off-roader that can do anything a Land Rover used to do, only better. Introduced in the 1950s, it quickly gained a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Whether it's crossing deserts, jungles, or frozen tundras, the Land Cruiser can handle it with ease.
But perhaps Toyota's most significant achievement is its commitment to reliability and sensibility. They didn't just build cars; they built cars that people could depend on day in and day out. It's no surprise that you see Toyota's on the streets of every corner of the world, from Tokyo to Timbuktu.
So, there you have it, the history of Toyota, a company that started humbly but grew to become a global giant in the automotive industry. They've given us reliable, sensible cars, but they've also shown that they can build high-performance legends and off-roaders that conquer the toughest terrain. Toyota is a brand that proves you can have your sensible cake and eat it with a sprinkle of excitement on top.