1976-1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback
Average asking price*: $6,700
Collector status: Buy and hold
1977ToyotaCelica_01_700

Often referred to as the “Mini Mustang,” its unapologetic resemblance to Ford’s original pony car is no accident. Around the time of the Mustang’s development, Toyota was trying to get a foothold in the American market and had approached Ford about selling a small two-door aimed at first-time car buyers.  Ford flatly turned Toyota down as they felt neither the car nor Toyota could be taken seriously. This spurred Toyota on to build their own pony car using the same philosophy as Ford did with using the mid-size Falcon as the premise for the Mustang. Using the mid-entry Carina as a platform, Toyota created the Celica and with it, an automotive luminary that would last seven generations was born.

In 1976, six years after the US introduction of the two-door coupé, a Liftback model was added to the Celica line. Available only in GT trim (center console, gauge package, rocker stripes and chrome beauty rings over styled wheels), the Celica Liftback GT bore an even closer resemblance to the late 60s Mustang Sportroof/Fastback. By this time the Celica had carved out a prominent place in the market against domestic competitors like the Chevrolet Vega and Ford’s own Mustang II. The Liftback’s styling (and seldom-mentioned practicality) gave it added appeal.

Performance is somewhat timid by today’s standards, but compares to other four-cylinder sports/GT cars of its day like the the MGB GT. Its 2.2-litre 20R motor only puts out 96 hp and its cast iron block and cylinder head add to the car’s 2,600 lb weight, but sitting low in its wraparound cockpit, the Celica GT feels sportier than it is. Its 5-speed gearbox is reminiscent of the Muncie “rock crusher” 4-speeds of the late 60s-early 70s GM muscle cars. The car feels solid and that feeling is carried through to infallible reliability in the drivetrain and all working parts.

The first generation Celica (1970-1977) enjoyed immense worldwide popularity. In its final year alone, nearly 170,000 were built. Attrition is high however due to rust and recklessness. Today, it is increasingly difficult to find an original, unmolested, sound copy, but they do exist. Given the recent rise in appreciation of Japanese Nostalgia—particularly in the “limited investment” category—the Celica GT Liftback is bargain that is sure to appreciate.