Here’s how the Toyota Celica went from Mustang rip-off to the definitive Japanese sports car

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  • čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
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    In this episode I provide the history of the Toyota Celica, reviewing the major changes made over its 36 year run and 7 generations. It first started as a Ford Mustang look-alike, but soon evolved into its own unique design of not only a liftback but also coupe and convertible.
    If you used to own a car from the 80s to early 2000's that you never see today, let me know and maybe I could do a future episode about it. Or contact me at pomeara1234@gmail.com
    Also check out my Plymouth Prowler channel:
    / @patrickomeara9420

Komentáře • 517

  • @arnepianocanada
    @arnepianocanada Před 3 lety +73

    I *love* that you bring to the cars-forum a Dad's caring perspective! We need more of your kind of unabashed "wide angle" viewpoint.

  • @donaldduncan7095
    @donaldduncan7095 Před 3 lety +100

    I'm a big fan of the 77 GT liftback, I was hoping Toyota would bring back a retro Celica the same as Ford / Mustang, Chevy /Camaro , and Dodge Challenger/Charger did . Only this time a more muscular Celica. Big thumbs up, this car deserved it.

    • @kenchristie9214
      @kenchristie9214 Před 3 lety +7

      We should get Ford to bring back the Model T. Actually I said that to be sarcastic but, on second thought, a Model T hot rod would be cool. The Model A would be nice too.

    • @JTA1961
      @JTA1961 Před 3 lety +3

      Good point, not holding my breath however as they continue to distance themselves from that segment yet wi electric motors at all 4 wheels...

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před 3 lety +3

      I had a 77 back in the day. It handled nice, look great but was totally gutless.

    • @GhostOfDamned
      @GhostOfDamned Před 3 lety

      Same

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před 3 lety +3

      I remember when the 78 Celica came out, it was like what the hell this car is so ugly.

  • @deanberg3777
    @deanberg3777 Před 3 lety +67

    My first car was a used 1976 Celica GT Coupe. Blue with white interior. Such a fun car to drive on twisty roads.

    • @geraldthomas8241
      @geraldthomas8241 Před 3 lety

      My first new car was a blue 1979 ST coupe with a 5 speed and no options but cassette player. No a/c, power windows, or power steering. We had a Celica club back then and mine was the fastest of them all. lol

    • @deanberg3777
      @deanberg3777 Před 3 lety +1

      @@geraldthomas8241 I liked that bodystyle too

    • @currypac
      @currypac Před 3 lety +3

      Wow I had the same year & color combo as a used car. Had when my first kid was born, she will be 36 this week 😭😭😭🥰

    • @toddaulner5393
      @toddaulner5393 Před 3 lety

      Was to be mine also but a jerk I went to school with rear ended us and had no insurance so Dad sold it. It was nice!

    • @deanberg3777
      @deanberg3777 Před 3 lety

      Mine was six years old when I got it. Had 60K. I drove it another 60K and then bought a new Corolla. The east coast winters were not kind to it. But I agree they were really nice as well as very reliable and dependable sharp cars.

  • @Sebastian_Dinwiddie
    @Sebastian_Dinwiddie Před 3 lety +29

    I had an 84. Sold it only last fall. Called her Connie.

    • @cm1133
      @cm1133 Před 3 lety +2

      My first car was a 1976 Celica GT. My first girlfriend was named Connie.

  • @anibalbabilonia1867
    @anibalbabilonia1867 Před 3 lety +40

    That's actually my favorite style toyota celicas! They're bringing big money now and very rare to obstain. Actually my dad owned one of those in 1977 and in 1981 he got a supra. Man I miss them car's! I used to love driving them.

  • @OscillatorCollective
    @OscillatorCollective Před 3 lety +6

    I’m a huge celica fan, especially the early ones. That last gen celica has really grown in me, and I’m kinda looking for one now.

  • @jeffmorse645
    @jeffmorse645 Před 3 lety +18

    My first car was a 1977 Celica GT coupe with a five speed in bright yellow. It was my Mom's car and my parents gave it to me after I started driving. I loved that car. Put almost 200,000 miles on it. It drove so well that I would be happy to have one as a daily driver today.

    • @prometheus7615
      @prometheus7615 Před 3 lety +2

      I had one also it was indestructible almost, the headliner failed before the engine and easy to work on dang do I miss it.

    • @hushmoney2058
      @hushmoney2058 Před 3 lety +2

      Mine a 1977 ST ...went through 2 Cousins before me 18 r

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před 3 lety

      I had one too, looked great handled nice, motor was weak though.

  • @Bcharris
    @Bcharris Před 3 lety +49

    My dad was a Toyota dealer and it was pronounced Sal-eeee-ka. He still has a 1985 Convertible coupe with 3000 miles on it.

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před 3 lety +4

      That's how we pronounced it in Canada.

    • @blacksheep9772
      @blacksheep9772 Před 3 lety +2

      We pronounce it SELEEEEEKA in Australia too. 😊 I have an1989 (jelly bean with popup lights) & a black 1998 (bugged eyed). Love them!!!! ❤❤❤❤ (Ive painted the '89 in giraffe print) Cant really fit a grown adult in the back seat but does accomodate brothers rottweiler, thats all I need!! 😁

  • @uptownsamcv
    @uptownsamcv Před 3 lety +8

    great video, I never knew Eddie Murphy did Celica commercials. I think the Scion TC was a spiritual successor to the Celica. both are coupes that share their powertrain with the Camry. the way I see it TC are the initials for Toyota Celica.

  • @frederickmoller
    @frederickmoller Před 3 lety +44

    I'm Canadian and call it the Cel-ee-ca, I always have, my best buddy's brother had a first generation Celica, and that was a damn cool car in it's day IMO!

    • @nickbrown6457
      @nickbrown6457 Před 3 lety +6

      Same pronunciation here in the UK, not sure why in the USA they pronounce it so wrong!

    • @SalisburyKarateClub
      @SalisburyKarateClub Před 3 lety +8

      @@nickbrown6457 I pronounce it the same way as you, I just asked my wife how to pronounce it (she's Japanese) guess what, the yanks have it right. Damn. oh well

    • @krisjones74
      @krisjones74 Před 3 lety +4

      Canadian and
      we always prononced that car's name as Sə LEE kə

    • @EV-olution
      @EV-olution Před 3 lety +2

      I'm also Canadian and pronounced it the way it is in the video.

    • @famousamoss
      @famousamoss Před 3 lety +2

      Pronounced “Saleeka” in Australia

  • @whitedovetail
    @whitedovetail Před 3 lety +3

    When I was in the Air Force, my friend was driving back to Dallas from our base in Mississippi for the weekend. I got a ride with him and off we went for the weekend. His Mom had just bought a Celica Coupe and gave it to my friend so he could travel back home. I remember driving it late at night and was impressed with the power and the ride. Plus it was super quiet! Anyway, I ended up going home with him several more times. This was in late 1972 by the way.

  • @jeffking291
    @jeffking291 Před 3 lety +37

    One of my favorite cars I owned - ‘77 Celica GT.
    It was a really fun car to drive.
    📻🙂

    • @geraldthomas8241
      @geraldthomas8241 Před 3 lety +2

      My favorite was my blue 1981 GT liftback. I had an aftermarket sun roof put in and rear window louvers.

    • @Durahan82
      @Durahan82 Před 3 lety +1

      the v8 from the Tundra fits nice inside .

    • @jeffking291
      @jeffking291 Před 3 lety

      @@geraldthomas8241
      I had those metal louvers on my back window.
      These were fun little cars to drive.
      📻🙂

  • @mattskustomkreations
    @mattskustomkreations Před 3 lety +12

    3:21. This was my car ‘85 Supra. Loaded with leather, 5spd, am/fm cassette stereo, sunroof. Man I loved that car!!

    • @ericrogala1664
      @ericrogala1664 Před 3 lety +1

      same here, 82 then 84 supra. god I loved those cars. fast forward 30 years and I now have a 95TT supra

  • @_BAD_MERC_
    @_BAD_MERC_ Před 3 lety +17

    I remember owning a few of these when I was young and they DID NOT have an easy life. I had a 1978 Celica ST automatic LB, a 79 GT 5 speed LB, a 79 Celica Supra 5 speed, and a 1984 Celica Supra 5 speed. They command big dollars now for clean no-rust examples. Oh the memories.

    • @rushnerd
      @rushnerd Před 2 lety

      Man I would love to see a MK2 Supra someday. They look so damn cool. I have yet to see one out in the wild, same with my MK3 Supra. I think they are some of the coolest looking cars ever made and my god the MK3 Supra is a blast to drive and gets a ton of attention. Just wish I wasn't the only one haha.

    • @FWDSUXARSE
      @FWDSUXARSE Před rokem

      I owned an 85 Celica Supra P type. Loved the seat bolsters in that car.

  • @thomaswills2301
    @thomaswills2301 Před 2 lety +2

    I have owned many Celicas in my life. I have owned two '77 GT, three '85 GT-S, one '86 GT-S, a '90 Celica with a 3SGTE swap, a '91 All-trac that I unfortunately crashed because I fell asleep behind the wheel and three '95 Celicas. So many memories made with all my Celicas.

  • @jonathankleinow2073
    @jonathankleinow2073 Před 2 lety +1

    My grandfather, a racing enthusiast, bought a used '92 Celica GT liftback around 1994 or so. When my grandparents moved down to Florida around 2000, they sold the car to me, and I was happy for the upgrade from my '82 LeBaron convertible. I was very fond of that car and made several road trips from Florida to the Midwest with it in high school. My oldest son was born shortly after I started college, so I had to sell the Celica, since there was no way to get an infant car seat into the sculpted leather rear seats. I sold it to my great aunt, who drove it for a few years before selling it to my uncle, who still drives it today. I've tossed around the idea of buying it back from him and restoring it - it certainly deserves better than the super-cheap Maaco paint job it got shortly after I got it in high school - but I don't have anywhere to keep it anyway.

  • @keithbaker1951
    @keithbaker1951 Před 3 lety +3

    I've owned 2 1985 celicas and I LOVED THOSE CARS! 1 of them was the convertible model and it was a GTS since that's the only trim available in convertible. The gts shared the supra rear end which was an independent rear unlike the gt and st trims which carried a live solid axle rear. I currently own a 6th gen 96 gt its fun but doesn't have the soul the 85 rear drive models had! I'm looking for another 85 and a 92 gt-4 currently. Thanks for this video!

  • @bchnts
    @bchnts Před 3 lety +4

    So proud to own a first gen celica they have become super rare and parts are super expensive but I will never let it go... I’m so I love with this car

  • @postal29
    @postal29 Před 3 lety +10

    In Jan. of 1972 I purchased my red Celica for $2949. I had it for 21 years.

  • @theelaffingman8776
    @theelaffingman8776 Před 2 lety +1

    I had a 1978 Celica GT Lift-back with the 22R engine; man I miss that car so much. She was a beauty and drove smooth. One of the best manual gearboxes I ever shifted and one of the funnest cars I ever drove; very zippy little thing. The ease and smoothness of that gearbox made that car fly like a race-car.

  • @CommodoreFloopjack78
    @CommodoreFloopjack78 Před 3 lety +4

    That first-gen Celica was a beautiful car (precisely because it looked so much like a Mustang). Would not mind having one of those.

  • @josephmercer9576
    @josephmercer9576 Před 3 lety +2

    LOVE this video. It brings me back to the good old days! My first car was a '77 Celica GT Liftback, then upgraded to an '82 Supra 3 years later. I'll never forget how much fun I had driving those cars!

  • @joedigiorno
    @joedigiorno Před 3 lety +5

    love your channel! just bought myself a 1990 celica liftback for $500 and i love it! almost 300k miles and still runs like new :)

  • @jergervasi3331
    @jergervasi3331 Před 3 lety +4

    I had 8 Celicas back in the 80s, 1976-1978 models. Loved them. Mechanically bulletproof. Every one rusted to dust in New England conditions.

  • @jasoncarpp7742
    @jasoncarpp7742 Před 2 lety +9

    Another awesome story. Although I was too young to drive at the time, I remember cars like the 1st 2 generations of the Toyota Celica. I didn't think it looked anything like the Mustang II at the time. I thought, and still think, it looks way better in some ways than the Mustang II.

  • @keilder8543
    @keilder8543 Před 3 lety +2

    I owned a 1975 Celica GT Liftback, silver, manual. I loved, loved everything about that car. Unfortunately it met its maker in an accident... Almost never see the 75 Liftback for sale these days.

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před 3 lety +1

      We did not have lift backs in 75 they started building them in 76.

  • @magicmandj
    @magicmandj Před 3 lety +2

    I had the 77 Celica liftback. I always thought of it as a trimmed down mustang. Loved that car. Later had a 79 Liftback. Hated it.

  • @98407re
    @98407re Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for spotlighting the Celica - I really enjoyed your video! Turns out I also own a Celica, which has lasted a bit longer for me. But then my kids were grown and I was empty-nest, and the car never dealt with snow (only California and Florida weather). Those rear seats were rarely used. It's 2022, and I am still the original owner of a 2000 GT (7th gen final body style). The car has 56k miles on it and I'm still very happy driving it.

  • @SvenHegedus
    @SvenHegedus Před 3 lety +1

    i own a 1992 gen 5 celica gt four and am happy to hear so many people still take interest in these models like i do.

    • @soap38
      @soap38 Před 3 lety +1

      That’s awesome dude! I used to have a 1991 GTS, and I have only seen a gt four once in my life. I know parts can be hard to find for those (atleast in the US), but id hold on to it, I wouldn’t be suprised if gt fours became collector cars.

  • @tjs114
    @tjs114 Před 3 lety +1

    My first car was a 1975 Celica liftback that was given to me by my aunt when she purchased a new 1985. She had put about 80k miles on it, and I drove it through high school and college for another 100k miles. My brother and I have done a near full rebuild of the car and now his son drives it. My aunt, who passed away in 2017 was always tickled that her old "buzz bomber" was still on the road.

  • @kenchristie9214
    @kenchristie9214 Před 3 lety +2

    Racing immortal Jim Richards raced The '77 Celica at Bathurst. There were four groups categories ranked on engine power. The Celica was in the C category.
    He came third overall beating more powerful V8 and 6 cylinder cars. The best moment was climbing Mt. Panarama.
    Jim was miked up and and one lap he was abusing a Chevy Camaro in front for slowing him down.

  • @starrdogchamp1
    @starrdogchamp1 Před 3 lety +5

    Toyota had some really cool sports cars. I have a hard time letting go of my 1991 mr2 turbo.

  • @Elandycamino
    @Elandycamino Před 3 lety +3

    I love my 95 Celica, paid 75 bucks for it and I've hauled 3 three wheelers in it

  • @billdoane7841
    @billdoane7841 Před 3 lety +2

    I bought a brand new 1977 Toyota Celica GT Coupe black on black five speed Limited addition love that car

  • @DinsdalePiranha67
    @DinsdalePiranha67 Před 3 lety +1

    I had a '73 Celica for a couple years. It was honestly a purchase driven by an immediate need for a car - I'd blown the engine in my car and needed something that ran but didn't cost much. My buddy had this Celica up for sale; he wanted $750 for it, but I talked him down to $650. The car looked good from a distance, but up close I could see some rust on the roof where the half vinyl roof was. But heck, I had a running car again. And I actually enjoyed driving that car.
    To date, it's the only car I've ever sold for more than I paid for it (although I did spend some money fixing a couple things). And fun fact: at the time I bought it, it was older than the girl I was dating.

  • @petshopboyspartnership
    @petshopboyspartnership Před 3 lety +4

    Just subscribed... Great channel...a lot of these were my old cars too.. Keep up the great vids...growing up in the 80's..i also owned a couple of fieros and several Mitsubishis Datsuns/Nissan and Toyos so i look forward to what's ahead

  • @johnnymason2460
    @johnnymason2460 Před 2 lety +2

    Now that the Celica has been done, a video on the Supra is necessary. The MR2 needs a video as well.

  • @Earl_Richter
    @Earl_Richter Před 3 lety +1

    My second car was a 73 Celica coupe. Coming from owning a Mustang II prior, that Celica was a pure joy to drive and maintain. Also owned a 77 Celica lift back. Bought it for $200 because it was rusting out. Always reliable though and never broke down.

  • @TripReviews
    @TripReviews Před 3 lety +7

    In my teenage years we called it a “Saleeka” too , Burlington, Ontario Canada.

    • @bradleygardam7817
      @bradleygardam7817 Před 3 lety +1

      Because that's the correct pronunciation in English, one day the yanks will catch up with the rest of the world and convert to metric and learn proper English. Hopefully.

    • @TripReviews
      @TripReviews Před 3 lety

      Bradley Gardam LOL😀 like the dropped “u”. For example.everybody knows the trees are the colo”u”r green, right? But I really do dislike the metric system.

    • @mynameisblankspace
      @mynameisblankspace Před 3 lety +3

      @@bradleygardam7817 how is that proper? The way you pronounce it is with a long e sound and that is not right. There is no e there it is an I. The I in Celica is a short I sound.

    • @vicoastdog
      @vicoastdog Před 3 lety

      same in Alberta when I was growing up. Now there's the Kia Sportaaaage or Sportige difference in pronunciation between Canada and US.

  • @RichadTheLionHeat
    @RichadTheLionHeat Před 2 lety +1

    Absolutely enjoyed your extremely, informative, detailed, enjoyable, video. It brought back oh so many memories of my blue 1976 Toyota Celica, brown interior, wood grain, 5 speed and black louvers. I deeply regard selling it.

  • @Stephen_A.
    @Stephen_A. Před 3 lety +3

    My friend had a 1987 Celica GT and my father had a 1988 Celica GT. Great drivers ! My brother still has my father's Celica.

    • @negativeindustrial
      @negativeindustrial Před 3 lety +1

      Dad should have gotten the GT-S. That 3S-GE engine was outstanding.

    • @Stephen_A.
      @Stephen_A. Před 3 lety

      @@negativeindustrial I was shocked he even got a Celica GT. 😀

    • @negativeindustrial
      @negativeindustrial Před 3 lety

      @@Stephen_A.
      That is cool. My mom was a Celica girl from three models 1977 GT through 1981 GT and 1984 Celica/Supra. I always bought the turbo ones that came after it. Still have a 1994 Turbo and a 1990 MR2 Turbo

  • @04dram04
    @04dram04 Před 3 lety +8

    Both the coupe and fastback celica's are the best looking Japanese classic, IMO

  • @EdwardLewis73
    @EdwardLewis73 Před 2 lety +1

    My first car when I turned 16 in 1988, a 1977 Toyota Celica 4 speed manual. Taught myself how to drive a stick. It was a bank repo car, I paid $60 for it since the bank needed to get rid of it from their inventory, sold it for $500 in 1989.

  • @swagpig1741
    @swagpig1741 Před 3 lety +2

    I loved the video. I have 1986 mr2 aw11 that's been in my family for 35 years could you a video on the mr2 pleases

  • @weav727
    @weav727 Před 3 lety +6

    I’d love to see one of these about the Acura integra. I had an 87 4 door hatchback 5 speed. It was a great car.

  • @laranaarana
    @laranaarana Před 3 lety +3

    My cousin had a 1976 Celica Coupe and my brother a Honda Accord coupe hatchback and they use to race against each other all the time (I was my brother's co-pilot). Later in 1982, I owned a Celica Supra here in the U.S.A.

  • @aussiedrifter
    @aussiedrifter Před 3 lety +2

    G'day Mate, in Australia we pronounce Celica the same way the English or in UK people do, I bought a new Celica back in 1977 it was the 2 door coupe
    in white with a black interior & I still wish to this day that I still owned it. The Mustang look that it had was actually why I looked at the Celica because they
    were more affordable than buying a real Mustang, especially on the wage I was getting in those days.

  • @marcscordato4385
    @marcscordato4385 Před 3 lety +5

    I had an 84 great car it was a great era lots of fun cars the 240SX The prelude the eclipse . Cars today are excellent but not as much fun.

  • @raydavis74
    @raydavis74 Před 3 lety +2

    Had an 85 celica gt with a 22r. Great car

  • @kedst2000
    @kedst2000 Před 2 lety +3

    This is another great retrospective! The first car I bought was a choice between the second generation Nissan 200SX and the third generation Toyota Celica. I really wanted the Celica but it was much more expensive. The 200SX was loaded with features and cheaper so we went with that. The 200 had an extra special feature in that when cruising at highway speeds, the inline four sounded just like the Mach Five from Speed Racer! I thought I read somewhere that was where they got that sound effect from. I might be wrong about that though. But it had that sound!
    I loved my 200 but I always liked the Celica. My dad rented a fourth generation Celica for me so I could pick up my girlfriend at college one year. I really liked it!

  • @alm5693
    @alm5693 Před 2 lety

    I bought a new Corolla wagon in 1978 but I was really in love with the look of the Celica version 2 with the wide pillar. At the time, I was making a living as a drummer so I needed the extra hauling space and had no money. My new Toyota was about $3800. A silver four speed with zero options, not even a radio. A couple years later I joined a new band and it turned out one of the guitarists had bought the other Corolla wagon I'd turned down to buy mine. It was brown and had a radio. They were the only two wagons on the lot at the time.
    Back then, when people found out you drove a Toyota, so many of them would sing "You asked for it, you bought it, Toyota".

  • @bradleygardam7817
    @bradleygardam7817 Před 3 lety +1

    We had a first gen 1970 with the 1600cc engine and it had a 5 speed manual gearbox, I've never seen a 4 speed manual in any Celica. I currently have a 1982 RA60 Celica convertible with the 2lt engine and 4 speed auto. In Australia we call it Celeeeeeca too.

  • @churchofmarcus
    @churchofmarcus Před 2 lety +1

    I had a 76 Liftback that had an 87 7mgte swapped into it before I bought it. That was one hell of a good looking car. I'd get offers for it all the time.

  • @mr.glabalabadubeestuthemex3845

    I drive an 81 celica gt coupe... I freaking love that thing. Very minimal rust too!!

  • @mohmoudfarah1897
    @mohmoudfarah1897 Před 3 lety +2

    My first Toyota was ‘86 Cressida which I bought from a UoM professor who was originally from the great State of California. I will tell you I had a hard time believing how good this car was. Too bad Toyota has discontinued it.

  • @brianfields6130
    @brianfields6130 Před rokem

    I used to Own a 1973 "Carona Mark II" that looked so much like the 76 Celica after putting Mag wheels with White letter tires, louvered rear window and a Celica GT's spoiler!! I loved that car!! I drove it the Last 3 years of high school(82 Grad)& even a year after. Red with a Black vinyl roof!!💜💜💜😎🦂⚔🇺🇸

  • @JSchroederee
    @JSchroederee Před 3 lety +1

    Didn't really appreciate my 5th gen GT that got me through college. It really had excellent handling and braking. The engine might not have been exciting but it was efficient and reliable.

  • @LaurentiusTriarius
    @LaurentiusTriarius Před 2 lety

    My grandma Celica AWD turbo was the first car I joyrided during the night, every occasion I got.. They spent winters in Florida the car was literally abandoned ... No license, racing 5.0 mustangs on the highway... I always had the impression I wouldn't have any trouble if I got caught since I was 15... Celica nostalgia...

  • @konsejitos
    @konsejitos Před 3 lety +6

    Do a My Old Car about the Toyota MR2, I own an 87 and love it.

  • @peter455sd
    @peter455sd Před 2 lety +3

    The old japanese cars from the 70s simply vanished from the face of the earth

  • @GODSPEEDseven
    @GODSPEEDseven Před 2 lety +1

    I realize the Toyota 86 is a more "pure" sports car, but I still really wish they bring the Celica back.
    Nothing overdone, just an affordable & reliable sporty Front Drive car. Give us a GT-FOUR option as well.

  • @DM-hw4cr
    @DM-hw4cr Před 3 lety +5

    Great lines on the 1st Gen Celica from the early 70s. The early lift backs are rare. The 22r was bulletproof

  • @robgoffroad
    @robgoffroad Před 2 lety +1

    I had a 1980 Celica GT Liftback (red, 5sp) after high school... I delivered pizza for Dominos in it. Was a fun car, if slow. I gave it to my dad and bought a new 1987 Acura Integra LS (also red, 5sp).

  • @Kacpa2
    @Kacpa2 Před 3 lety +6

    I had a 1990 Celica GT-i with 3s-ge engine, was a blast to drive as my daily for 4 years. Great sensation of speed even if i wasnt going that fast at all, probably cuz of how low the seating position is. Also still with pop-ups :v

  • @Robert8455
    @Robert8455 Před 3 lety +3

    I forgot what a nice looker that old Celica was. Toyota seems to be doomed to make the wrong decisions and choices. Changing to FWD, killing the original Supra, getting in bed with BMW. Starting Scion only to kill it later. They had a nice line up of sporty cars and killed em and now they are making TRD Camrys and Avalons. Their smaller Toyota Trucks like the Tacoma pretty nice too but they just kept getting bigger and bigger and lost their original appeal. The large Tundra is really the joke due to its outdated styling. The Landcruiser was an awsome rugged machine but they turned it into an 88K only a few can afford. The 4 Runner is sweet but now the top version cost 50K and is really outdated for that money. If Toyota took a lesson from other makers and developed say modern / retro versions of their early rear drive smaller, sporty, cars they might generate some excitment and sales. But instead they will want to make some kind of electric car.

  • @Kizzle001
    @Kizzle001 Před 3 lety

    My first car was in 84 silver blue notchback. Last gen for rwd it was a fun car, it made me appreciate my 98 Prelude that I bought later on even more.

  • @mapleholler9800
    @mapleholler9800 Před 3 lety

    My first Celica was a '72 ST coup. Loved that little car. Bought it used and had it for 4 years. When it came time to trade, I bought a '77 GT liftback. It didn't go as good in the snow as the '72, but was so cool. My first thought was how much it looked like a mini Mustang. Only had it a few months and lost it in the '77 Johnstown flood. Was working midnite-7am and got into town 10 minutes before they shut down the roads. Watched it float around in the parking lot, from the roof of the building. So, ended up with a '77 GT coup. It survived the flood, due to being on the second floor, as the dealership was downtown in those days. Always thought they looked like a Camaro....especially with a spoiler on the trunk lid. Loved it too. Had it for about 7-8 years. Body styles changed, kids came along, and money got tight..... so moved on to a minivan and then 'R' titled cars. Never bought another new car....or another Toyota. But those 3 made a lot of good memories. My wife of 43 years and my first dates, were in that liftback.

  • @RichardinNC1
    @RichardinNC1 Před 3 lety

    My father had a '74 Celica GT with a 5sp. It was a fun little car. In college, I rode in the back of an '88 on a 3 hour trip. Quit tight back there. Almost bought an '84 Celica GT but never have owned one myself.

  • @michaelb.42112
    @michaelb.42112 Před 3 lety +2

    I always LOVED the Celica and Supra. I think it always looked good, and the new 2021 Supra is amazing looking, as well.

  • @dav8388
    @dav8388 Před 3 lety

    An older neighbor had a 91 Celica GT-S that her mom bought brand new. She inherited it when her mom passed away. I got to drive it a few times, and I loved that car. It had less then 50,000 miles and it was mint. She sold it to a family that was giving it to their daughter as her first car, and the bought a brand new 2007 Prius. She told me she was thinking about selling it I guess expecting me to offer to buy it, but I didn't pick up the hint and regret it to this day.

  • @spanieaj
    @spanieaj Před 3 lety

    The first car I bought was a used '78 Celica ST coupe. No power steering. No power brakes. No AC. I cut my teeth on the 5-speed. I fell in love with stick shift from then on. Unfortunately after 3 months of ownership which included a new stereo and new tires, it was totaled when someone hit me head on. I went without a car for a month before I found an '81 Celica coupe. That car had a 5-speed, power steering, power brakes, AC, and a manual crank moon roof! It was pure luxury for a young kid starting out in the work force! Fond memories.

  • @Kacpa2
    @Kacpa2 Před 3 lety +2

    Scion tC was technicly a Celica 7th gen successor, FWD Liftback coupe, tho not as low to the ground and with much taller cabin. It was more lile chopped up Corolla when celoca had legitimately sporty chassis design.

  • @wildernessofzinn17
    @wildernessofzinn17 Před 3 lety +2

    I had a 77 GT hatchback back in the late 80s. It was quick for a 2.2 L four-cylinder and also a good car. I piled up nearly 200,000 miles before I sold it. I wish I had it now?. How many of us say that about cars we have owned in the past?

  • @BIGBADWOOD
    @BIGBADWOOD Před 3 lety +2

    Toyota Celica the car that a blind man would love to see !

  • @thomasburnspa
    @thomasburnspa Před 3 lety +8

    My first car was a 77 Celica Liftback. Loved that car.

  • @Starbolt-81
    @Starbolt-81 Před 3 lety +2

    I still have my '75 TA22, I hope to get the money together one day to do a full restoration.

    • @lolicool6920
      @lolicool6920 Před 3 lety

      Great i hope will can make that 🔝🔝🔝🔝💕💕💕💕

  • @tomboard1
    @tomboard1 Před 3 lety

    My first car was a white 83 Celica GTS liftback with a 5-speed manual transmission. It had those cool fender flairs, sport racing seats and a huge equilizer. I miss that car.

  • @mrpips000
    @mrpips000 Před 2 lety

    My first car was a used 1990 Celica GTS 5 speed, white with blue "leather" interior. It was a pretty good car. Certainly looked faster than it actually was, but fairly trouble free. When I got it in 1998 it had less than 60k miles on it. I also crashed it 3 days after getting it, no major damage just cosmetic, someone pulled out in front of me. Really could have used the anti-lock brakes that day.
    Shortly after that I got a job at a Toyota dealership and really liked the 7th gen Celica when it came out. The GT-S was very rev happy and it was weird when the cams changed, had about 2 seconds before it redlined at something like 7800 rpm. I believe the engine was made by Yamaha. Also had a chance to drive the MR2, which was nice 2 seater, but really lacked the power of its predecessors that made them more fun.
    Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

  • @k.b.tidwell
    @k.b.tidwell Před 3 lety

    I remember riding in a 77 model owned by a friend of my grandparents. I was a child and rode in the back seat, my first introduction to bucket seats. To my rear end it lived up to the name.

  • @razrramonel4077
    @razrramonel4077 Před 3 lety +1

    Alot of the Celica’s still being manufactured by Toyota today, are being made in Georgetown, Kentucky because Norfolk Southern Railroad delivers alot of automobile frames to the plant.

  • @Sacto1654
    @Sacto1654 Před 3 lety +2

    The current Toyota 86 should be called the Celica, in my humble opinion!

  • @hendrikbarboritsch7003
    @hendrikbarboritsch7003 Před 3 lety +2

    My Australian friends called my CElica a Silly Car. Thats why I prefer Ce-LI-ca.

  • @warrenpeece1726
    @warrenpeece1726 Před 3 lety

    I bought mine new in 1981. Coupe, 5-speed manual. My first new car and I absolutely loved it!

  • @johninama585
    @johninama585 Před 3 lety

    I had a 1980 Celica GT Liftback USGP edition. The USGP edition was only a trim package, but I found out years later that it was actually quite rare. They only made about 250 each of red, white and blue. It was my first car as a teenager so of course I wrecked it. One of the saddest days of my young life. I still wish I had it.

  • @JCesaroJ
    @JCesaroJ Před 2 lety

    Hey just stumbled across your channel and man its great to see the cars of my childhood. I would love to see a video on my 1st 2 cars; the 1985 Chevy S10 Blazer, and the 1992 Nisaan 240SX. thanks for putting the time into making these videos.

  • @bobbowie9350
    @bobbowie9350 Před 3 lety

    The second gen cowl line is really nice. Windshield complex curve looks elegant I love the simplicity of the form.

  • @legalpitbull3623
    @legalpitbull3623 Před 3 lety

    79 hatch with 200k + got rearended. Sold it to salvage yard. They stripped the hatch and doors for use as a parts chaser around the wrecking yard. 15 years later they were still using it.

  • @7viewerlogic670
    @7viewerlogic670 Před 3 lety +7

    That 82 Supra at 3:20 is awesome!

    • @mattskustomkreations
      @mattskustomkreations Před 3 lety +1

      I had an ‘85 Supra (they dropped the Celica part by then) identical to this. I owned it from about 1992-2000. Looked gorgeous then and the style still holds up today. It was totally loaded, and I loved it. Miss that car!

    • @7viewerlogic670
      @7viewerlogic670 Před 3 lety +1

      @@mattskustomkreations I bet you do miss that car!

    • @mattskustomkreations
      @mattskustomkreations Před 3 lety +2

      @@7viewerlogic670 Too true. Had grey leather interior, 5spd manual, AM/FM cassette, AC, power seats/windows/door locks/sunroof and cruise control. The dude I bought it from was Ned Flanders with OCD. He took it to the dealership for every single little thing. He kept logbooks for every single gas fill up let alone oil change. And not only was the handwriting perfect but you could tell he had actually used a RULER to make sure his handwriting was perfect. So you could imagine the fantastic condition the car was in when I got it! The most memorable night in the car was the time I got it up to 130 on a super straight lonely rural back road. Ahhh, the folly of youth!!

  • @jdblake3224
    @jdblake3224 Před 3 lety +1

    My first car was a 1996 Toyota Celica GT. Cool looking car even in the 21st century.

  • @williamhoodtn
    @williamhoodtn Před 3 lety

    I had a nicely used 1977 Celica GT Liftback (5SP) in burnt orange from 1982 to 1987. Was a fun and good looking car! Some dude (not me) replaced the original wheels with some American Racing wheels and I really enjoyed it. I did see (in the flesh) a '77 version that somebody made into a Boss 302 like car in yellow/black. Looked great!

  • @vassa1972
    @vassa1972 Před 3 lety +3

    I always wanted one of those cars growing up in the 80's

  • @HamiltonMechanical
    @HamiltonMechanical Před 2 lety +2

    I've had 10 of them from 1979-1985 :) currently have an 85 GT-S. Love my celicas!

    • @zythr9999
      @zythr9999 Před 2 lety

      So does Scotty Kilmer

    • @HamiltonMechanical
      @HamiltonMechanical Před 2 lety

      @@zythr9999 really? i didn't know that!

    • @zythr9999
      @zythr9999 Před 2 lety +1

      @@HamiltonMechanical Yes, he talks about his a lot Lol

  • @ninji5226
    @ninji5226 Před 3 lety +1

    I think the celica is the perfect example of a car that never committed to an identity. That's not to say it was a bad car but it wasn't sporty or fast enough to please people who wanted a sports car, and it wasn't practical enough to please everyone else. I thought the gts was a cool looking car (and the "looks fast" commercial with the dog was freakin hilarious) but why not offer at least one beast mode trim if your going to come out with a sports car.

  • @MrFantastic23
    @MrFantastic23 Před 2 lety

    My dad had a 76 celica. It was yellow and he loved that car so much!

  • @noneed4me2n7
    @noneed4me2n7 Před 2 lety +1

    I’m sorta a ford guy because of my family but my dad and me always loved the JDMs and we even started restomodding a 240z in the late 90s. It was an early model (can’t remember the year) but it was totaled out in a pileup sadly. Dad was fine but the car wasn’t. I had a buddy in HS with an early 80s Celica that I loved to work on, and drive it around when he’d let me. Almost bought it off him. I’m struggling with either deciding to get something like it or a Mini Cooper as a play car of sorts. Also thinking on an old crown Vic or other police interceptor. Tough decisions.

  • @CptDaves
    @CptDaves Před 3 lety +1

    The Celica was not really a competitor to the Mustang. It was inspired by the idea of the '64 Mustang, take a Falcon 2 door hardtop and make it look as good as a sports car. The 1970 Celica was a sports coupe that looked better than any other Toyota but still had the qualities that a Corolla had.

  • @wierpkevin
    @wierpkevin Před 3 lety

    I dated a girl that drove a new blue 1977 Celica GT liftback. The one that looked like a little Mustang.
    44 years later, our grandkids were here for dinner tonight.
    They arrived in a Toyota Sequoia, with a rear facing TV hanging from the ceiling so they can watch Mario Brothers You Tube videos.
    I think about the little blue Toyota and wonder how it’s little life ended. It had an 8 track built in the dash.
    I wish I could lay my hand on it and tell it thanks for being there from the very start.

  • @lauranardoni5626
    @lauranardoni5626 Před 3 lety +2

    I would like to see a video on the 1988 Honda Prelude SI , I had a new one in red, haven’t seen any in Oregon, from SoCal!

  • @perfectsplit5515
    @perfectsplit5515 Před 2 lety +1

    I actually regret choosing the '95 Honda Prelude over the '95 Celica as my first new car. At the time, I did not know that the Celica was also front-wheel drive. If I had known, I would have picked the Celica. Both cars were in the 10 most reliable cars list. If I had gotten the Celica instead, I probably would have had more trunk space than I had in my notchback Prelude. I also liked the 6th gen Celica better than the final 7th gen.

  • @garattyfisher
    @garattyfisher Před 3 lety +1

    Hey, your videos are awesome and I can't believe you don't have more viewers and subscribers. Well you have one more now. Great videos, keep them coming and don't get discouraged.