1975 Toyota Celica Gt Hardtop 2-door 2.2l on 2040-cars

1975 Toyota Celica GT Notchback, It comes equipped with the original 5 speed manual transmission and newer Toyota 20r engine.

The chassis has 46,141 miles on it, but that may increase slightly as I do drive the car occasionally. The engine is not the original unit, but according to the previous owner it was installed with only 10,000 or so miles. I cannot, unfortunately verify that. The interior has been redone, again by the previous owner, in a white/beige leather combo that looks rather nice combined with the non-original metallic blue paint. The Celica is equipped with air conditioning, which has been recently filled and runs very cold.

As you can tell, it is not entirely original. Here is a list of modifications and upgrades that differentiate it from a vanilla Celica GT:

- Wheels from a 2nd Generation Celica Supra. The rubber still has a great deal of life left in it. No wear spots.

- An aftermarket stereo system, with a stealthed radio occupying the space where the original unit once was. It has two speakers under the dash, on passenger and driver sides (thankfully the door cards were not cut), two on the back package tray, a rather large subwoofer in the trunk, and a decent amplifier. It works well enough, and has an input for an mp3 player. Unfortunately the antennae is disconnected, so radio reception isn't the best.

- A rear window louver. This may be a matter of taste. I'm personally rather fond of the funky 70's charm, and it doesn't inhibit the rear view at all. Though it is a bit worn and the paint may be flaking off.

- JDM spec fender mirrors. One of the most unique features of the car, not original for the U.S. market. Again, just part of the charm. They work rather well, although adjustments may require two people.

- A front chin spoiler, body color. Made of fiberglass (?), and matching ducktail spoiler.

- Yellow high-beams and added fog lights, with interior switch.

- Full Flowmaster exhaust with Summit catalytic converter.

- K&N air filter to match with Aisan carburetor.

- A locking gas cap.

Most of these changes were made to suit the taste of the previous owner, except the K&N air filter, and the yellow high-beams. It may not be in everyone's taste (understatement), but keep in mind that any or all of these things could be changed.

Now for the bad. As with most vintage cars in driver condition, there are some issues. Luckily, they are almost all cosmetic.

- The most apparent issue will be the rust. Considering the reputation that this vintage of Japanese cars has for rusting, it is in surprisingly good shape. There is only one hole, and that is in the passenger's front wheel well. It is about 2 inches across, and certainly not structural. The otherwise lovely paint is marred by a number of bubbles, some in groups. None of them compromise the body shell, and are probably the result of pinhole rust covered by a less than perfect paint application. On the underside of the driver and passenger door sills, there are some small rust holes.

- The headers are rusted. There are no holes in them, but they don't look so good compared to the newer engine and exhaust. Consider replacing.

- There is a small chip in the windshield, passenger side. It hasn't gone all the way through the glass, nor has it splintered outward.

- There is a dent in the rear bumper.

- The rear spoiler has some paint issues on the trailing edge.

- The driver's seat belt is frayed, but functional.

- When the interior was redone, whoever did the work screwed up the leather on the driver's side b-pillar. It's not discolored, but a bit misshapen.

Here is a list of things that were repaired since purchase:

- A new alternator was installed, as the old unit died. Driving without headlights at night is an experience I hope to never have again.

- The tubing leading from the radiator to the engine had a leak. Subsequently replace all tubing.

- A new oil filter was installed.

As you can see, most of the work this car would need is cosmetic. It is entirely mechanically sound. The engine pulls hard through the gears (be prepared for the 5100 rpm redline), it shifts smoothly, and in fifth gear cruises nicely at 75 mph. Despite the relatively low 110 horsepower, its light weight and tall fifth gear give it a top speed of 105. It may be an old car, but it has the resources to be a comfortable and fun daily driver. Slow cars driven quickly are a blast.

Transportation must be arranged prior to purchase. I am willing to drive a few hours if need be, but I would rather it be picked up and delivered rather than drive cross-country. The price is negotiable, but I will walk away if I we cannot agree on a decent price.

I am available on most days, and will send more pictures on request.