The Toyota Celica was a formidable coupe model designed by the Japanese company from 1970 to 2006. Lasting through seven unique generation designs, the car went through different variations, including a 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback, and convertible. The Toyota Celica was the premiere liftback after debuting with a fastback hatchback in 1973. The sports car was designed in the same vein as the Ford Mustang, adding a coupe body to the chassis and mechanics of a larger sedan. Unfortunately, a significant lack of sales resulted in Toyota discontinuing the model, selling just over 3,000 units in the US in its final year.
Toyota Celica through the generations
First-generation Toyota Celicas are nothing short of a classic car as considered today. The 70s coupe has a distinctive aesthetic of the era. Especially after the release of the liftback design in 1974, which earned the car the title of the “Japanese Mustang”. A look at the Toyota Celica redesigns through the decades is a virtual tour through time. Each generation has a specific body design that emulates the popular model choices throughout the decades. Unfortunately, sales of each new redesign failed to match the numbers Toyota was seeing throughout the 70s and 80s.
A world champion race car
The Toyota Celica is inarguably a world-class racing design. In rally car racing, this vehicle was particularly formidable. Through the 70s and all the way to the mid-90s, the Toyota Celica managed to bring home an impressive collection of driving titles and manufacturer titles. Meanwhile, in circuit racing, the coupe did not achieve the same success. However, the Toyota Celica maintained itself against the stiffest of competition until Toyota ultimately invested heavier in its Lexus line-up.
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