Description
Toyota Celica (TA23) | 1977
Highlights:
– 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, manual transmission
– 2T-G twin-cam engine installed
– Restoration completed in 2020 with extensive attention to detail
– Only 2,500 km covered since completion of the restoration
– Dekra valuation report at € 29,000
The seller offers for sale this 1977 Toyota Celica TA23, powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a manual transmission. Finished in a dark blue exterior over a period-correct interior, this first-generation Celica coupé presents as an appealing example of Toyota’s early foray into the affordable sports coupé market. The car has been restored, with the work completed in 2020, and a great deal of attention was devoted to detail throughout the process. Since the restoration was finished the car has covered only 2,500 kilometres, and a Dekra valuation report values the vehicle at € 29,000.
One of the most notable features of this particular example is the 2T-G engine that has been installed. This twin-cam unit, developed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha, was the sporting heart of the fastest Celica variants of the period and lends the car a considerably more spirited character than the standard pushrod engines fitted to most examples. The four-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout make for a driving experience that is engaging and communicative in the way that only lightweight coupés of this era can be, and the modest weight of the Celica means that its output is put to good use.
The Celica was introduced by Toyota in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show and represented something genuinely new for the Japanese manufacturer: a stylish, affordable personal coupé aimed squarely at buyers who wanted sporting character without the running costs of a true sports car. The styling of the first-generation Celica, with its long bonnet, short deck and fastback silhouette on the Liftback models, drew clear inspiration from American pony cars of the period, and the model has since become widely known as the Japanese Mustang. The TA23 designation identifies the 1600 coupé variant, and today these early Celicas are increasingly appreciated by collectors as the model that established Toyota’s credibility as a builder of desirable sporting cars.
Beyond the styling, the appeal of this generation lies in its mechanical simplicity and its accessibility. The Celica offered independent front suspension, a well-appointed cabin for its class and a level of build quality that helped establish Toyota’s reputation in export markets. Surviving examples in good condition have become increasingly hard to find, particularly in Europe, where corrosion claimed a great many of them over the decades. Well-preserved and carefully maintained cars such as this one therefore represent an attractive proposition for enthusiasts of the Japanese classic scene, a segment of the market that continues to attract growing attention.
The odometer indicates 28,300 kilometres.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
