Updated 04-May-2020.
Mondo shtuff from around the internet, all about TOYOTA CELICA!
My botty best at summarizing from Wikipedia: the Toyota Celica (Japanese: ) or is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 to 2006 . the Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning “heavenly” or “cel all-wheel drive turbocharged models were offered from 1986 to 1999 . Variable valve timing came in certain Japanese models starting from December 1997 . Celica variants were spun off as separate models, notably the Celica Supra Celica is also a North European name meaning heavenly (celestrial) car was aimed at the north american market and was Toyota’s response to the 1964 Ford Mustang (Pony car) over the generations the Celica the Celica was only available as a pillarless hardtop notchback coupe . the prototype SV-1 liftback was shown at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show . it was exported to many Asian countries & Europe in R the RV-1 “concept” wagon was also shown at the 1971 Tokyo motor show but it did not reach production . the Japanese GT models had various differences from the ET, LT and ST including the hood flutes, power windows the first-generation Celicas can be further broken down into two distinctive models . the first of these was the original with slant nose (trapezoid-like shape front corner light). these models were produced from 1970 to 1975 and came equipped with the 2T, 2T-G 1.6 litre, or 18R 2.0 litre motor . they had a 95 inches (2,400 mm) wheelbase in some markets, the lower-end LT was equipped with the single carbureted four-cylinder 2T engine displacing 1600 cc . the ST came with a twin Solex downdraft carburet the 1972–1974 models have 2.0 litre 18R-C engines . for 1975–77, the engine for the North American Celica is the 2.2 litre 20R . the Celica GT and LT models were 1974 saw minor changes in the Celica’s trim and badges and slightly different wheel arches . the earlier 71-73 arches commonly referred to as thin lipped & the later 74-77 as flat body-color urethane panels filled in spaces previously occupied by smaller chrome bumpers . this style of bumpers were used in North America until the end of this generation in 1977 . Japan also used these bumpers for the the american liftback was only offered as GT (RA29) with a 2.2-liter 20R engine . all the liftback models have flat noses . the tri-color taillights with the “bubble” “Celica” quarter panel script changed to a bold block-letter font . “C” pillar trim was restyled with a more modern look . in October 1975, the entire Celica lineup was the new model codes for facelift hardtop coupe were RA23 for the general worldwide market with an 18R engine or RA24 for America with a 20R engine . the liftbacks were coded RA28 and bonnet/hood vents, fuel filler cap and interior options were also different between the TA and RA series across the model range . up until 1976, U.S. Celicas got either wheel covers (ST, peak power was about 100 kW (134 hp) at 6000 rpm . only 2000 1977 RA28’s were imported with the 2.0-liter 18R-C motor . the only two GTs ever the RA25 GT model was imported for the Japanese Ambassador in 1972 . it was designed in the united states by Toyota’s Calty Research Design studio in California . the coupe was no longer a true hardtop; both the Griffith company in the us offered a Targa-style convertible conversion to the coupé . they were Toyota approved and sold through Toyota dealers . over 2000 were produced. the second-generation Celica can also be broken down into two series of release (known as Series A and Series B) the original Series A Celica (1978–1979) was released with round headlights and chrome bumpers for lower there were about 70 different variants of second-generation Celica sold in Japan over the model’s lifetime . at its pinnacle in 1979, Toyota retailed 49 versions at once . this new generation offered more safety, the GT and GTV have an 18R-G twincam engine . in 1978, the GTV was replaced by the GT-Rally . the limited edition “US Grand Prix” GT liftback was offered in 1980 . to celebrate the Celica 10th Anniversary, the GTA coupe was released . the coupe is distinguishable by its copper brown / beige two-tone paint . in australia, the new Celica was less sporty than earlier both the coupé and liftback bodywork were available in Australia . the year it debuted in the united states and Japan was in 1979 . both the US Mark I (chassis code MA46) and the Japanese Mark I Unlike other Celicas, this carina-derived model is a four-door sedan rather than a coupe or liftback . Toyota replaced the Celica Camry upon the arrival of the front-wheel drive Toyota Cam the 2.4 L became the biggest 4-cylinder engine offered in any Celica ever . trim levels for the Japanese market were SV, ST, ST-EFI, SX, GT, and GT Rally . Rack and Toyota added the GT-S model to the North American market to re-inject the sports image that Celica had lost . it included larger 14×7″ wheels and 225/60HR14 tires, fender flare both cars were nearly identical when in liftback form . the Celica was facelifted in August 1983 for the 1984 model year . revision included fully retractable headlights, restyled grille, and airdam the Japanese Celica 1600 GT got new 4A-GE engine, and the 1600 GT-R also powered by the same motor was introduced . another new model was the turbocharged 1800 GT-TR . 4,248 more were for the European continent, the Celica was offered as 1600 ST with 2T engine, 2000 XT (21R), and 2000 GT (18R-G) all the cars for the UK market were powered by the 21R engine in 1982, the new york Yankees began using a Celica as their bullpen car . the GT-T (TA63) came with the twin-spark 1.8-liter 3T-GTE engine . to the Group B Celica TCT made its WRC debut in 1983 Rally Finland . the production car had a 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) engine . it was an all-new vehicle with Toyota introduced the “ultimate Celica”, the GT-Four (ST165) onto the Japanese market in October 1986 . with full-time all-wheel drive, it immediately took its place as the flagship of the Celica the GT-Four began export in 1987 (1988 US model year) and marketed in North America as the All-trac Turbo . it was rated at 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) the ST165 GT-Four made its World Rally debut in the 1988 Tour de Corse and finished 6th . the 4A engine was terminated in August 1987 and the 1S-iLU engine was replaced by the the 3S-GTE turbo engine was also introduced in the all-wheel drive ST165 GT-Four . two months later, a factory convertible (coded ST162C) was offered with the twincam 3S the notchback two-door coupe bodystyle was not offered as a Celica in Japan . instead this body was sold as the Toyota Corona coupe . a digital instrument panel was offered on the top level GT and GT- the GT-S was badged 2.0 GT-i 16. The GT-Four was available as a model year 1988, 2 years after the release in Japan . all trims came standard with a tachometer, oil in 1986, the chassis was designated as the ST161 . it had the SOHC 8-valve, 2.0 L 2S-E engine from the Camry . however, this only lasted a year as it was the ST was the lightest T160 chassis at 2455 lbs. with the manual transmission . a 5-speed manual was the only transmission available in 1986 . the interior had manual windows and locks, bucket seats and an AM/ power steering and power brakes were standard, with ventilated discs in front and drum brakes in rear to go along with a 4×100 bolt pattern. Cable operated air-conditioning was optional.GT: The GT shared the convertible weighed in at 2700 lbs. for the manual and 2760 lbs . the interior came with an electronic 4 speaker AM/FM/MPX tuner . power locks, windows, power tilt/sl the GT-S was given a de-tuned version of the DOHC 2.0 L engine (3S-GELC) an EGR and O2 sensor restricted the engine along with a milder ECU . standard features new features in 1988–1989 included an illuminated vanity light as standard and ABS as optional . in Canada, all GT-S models were 5-speed (S53) manual transmissions . the ST165 was not sold in North America before 1988 except for seventy-seven special-edition cars . these Celicas are all white with white wheels and blue interior and have “IMSA GTO CHAMPION the round styling and lack of straight edges increased strength without adding weight . the styling was later copied by other manufacturers . Japanese market models were now S-R, Z-R and GT-R . the Japanese market GT-Four has 165 kW (221 hp) and 304 Nm (224 lbft) of torque . the North American Celica had fixed door mirrors and am the base model ST has 1.6-liter 4A-FE . the GT-S was rated 5 hp (4 kW) more than the GT at 135 bhp (101 kW; 137 PS the All-Trac Turbo was available with the improved 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine . it was rated at 200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS) and 200 lbft only the 2.0 GT-i 16 liftback and GT-Four were officially sold in the UK . the 2.0 cabriolet was offered only in certain European countries . in 1993, the Limited Edition WRC Trophy model was offered in australia . this is basically the SX with sport front seats from the GT-Four, cruise control, rear window shade / spoiler, and special decals Celica’s 20th Anniversary GT-R was released for the Japanese market in December 1990 . to celebrate 20 years of Celica production, the limited edition was released . the Celica convertible was built by American Sunroof there are three different gearboxes for ST185 GT-Four . E150F gearbox with 4.285 final gear ratio was installed in the regular Japanese version and All-Trac Turbo . the Japanese market only GT the early model is based on the narrow body, and the facelift model is wide body with round fog lights . also sold in Japan only was the GT-Four V. This was an economy version of narrow body without alloy wheels in August 1991, Toyota facelifted the Celica for the 1992 model year . changes included: Stiffer anti-roll bar was added and suspension spring rates were increased . new three-way catalytic converter . Toyota ellipse emblems on the hood and trunk. Taillights redesign (with smoke red frame). Improved gear linkage and a shorter gearshift. The Japanese market models received 3-point rear seat belts. front discs were now 277 mm (10.9 in) and ventilated . the export version GT-Four / All-Trac Turbo and GT-S retained automatic air conditioner . 15 inch wheels fitted with Dun discontinued Japanese market models: 4WS S-R, Active Sports, and narrow body GT-Four . New round fog lights for the Japanese market GT-four Rally uses the wide body shell . Cruise Control the export models are called Carlos Sainz (CS) Limited Edition in Europe (in honour of their famous World Rally Champion) or Group A Rallye in Australia . special features include: Different intercooler (water-to the styling of the new Celicas was acclaimed as “Supra-esque” with four round headlights . for the US market, the Celica was only available in ST and GT trims for the 1994 model year the turbocharged All-Trac was no longer offered in the US . the 7A-FE is rated at 110 hp (82 kW) and 110 lbft (149 Nm) the ST205 GT-Four was launched in February 1994 and the Convertible in the Autumn of the same year . this generation saw a badge engineered version without the headlight treatment, called the Toyota Curren . the production of the GT-Four (or previously known as All-Trac in the US) continued for the Japanese, Australian, European, and British markets . this ST205 version was to be the most powerful Celica produced to date the team was banned from competition for a year after the car’s single victory due to turbocharger fixing – a device that meant there was no air path restriction on the intake . in some respects this car is the limited edition SX-R was offered in 1998–1999. Based on the SX, this model came with black/red interior, white-faced speedometer and tachometer, fog lights and alloy wheels . the the fourth-generation convertible was introduced in 1994 . built off of the GT coupe, the vehicle arrived in the us as a partially assembled vehicle . the roof was removed and a three-layer insulated and power-operated like its coupe and liftback siblings, the American GT convertible is ST204 with 5S-FE engine . the Japanese Convertible and European GT cabriolet are the 3S-GE powered ST202 . in August 1995 the 1996 Celica for export market received the same front restyling as the Japanese models . the new front bumper has two smaller sections on each side of a smaller air dam as opposed to a single large air dam in previous models the North American GT and Australian ZR models came with standard fog lights . the ST and SX models without the optional fog lights had black grills fill in their place . to celebrate 25 years of Celica, the SS- in 1998, the underpowered ST model was discontinued in the US, leaving only GT models . projector headlights were optional for all models on the new Celicas . in 1997, the SS-III was given the SR has full body kit, mesh grille, 16-inch alloys, and upgraded sound system . the US Celica line up was simplified even further in 1999 by eliminating all coupes . the 2000 model year Celica was element of Toyota Project Genesis . Toyota took time to lighten the car and lower cost wherever possible . power window and door lock controls were placed in the center console . this generation was assembled by Kanto Auto Works at its Higashi-Fuji plant in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan . the Celica came in only one liftback body style with the until mid-May, customers could still order one, although it was advised they took action before that time ended . the last Celica was rolled off production line on 21 April 2006, after 36 years and seven generations . there has power door lock and power window switches were mounted on the center console to reduce costs . rear seats were contoured for only 2 passengers and can split down 50/50 to increase cargo capacity . two-speed front wipers had optional sunroof was made of polymer plastics instead of glass . later models, the sunrof was also made of glass, probably for cost reasons . other options include ABS, rear spoiler, fog lights, H transmission choices comprised a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic . the GT-S was powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine rated at 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) at a second stage valve lift control for intake was added to the variable intake cam phase timing . buyers had the option of a four-speed automatic with shift buttons on the steering wheel, or a six-speed manual . the manual transmission shifters and all steering wheels were upgraded to leather . liftback cargo covers were standard along with fog lights for models without the “Action Package” TRD USA offered performance upgrades such as lowering springs, dampers, the supercharger was available as an option for 2003–2004 Corolla and Matrix models . the most popular among buyers were the “Action Package” which offered a more aggressive front bumper with wider grille . on the 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 GT-S models, the rev limiter is set to 8200–8300 rpm . the 2002 and 2005 models have it set to 7800 (left-hand drive markets only Toyota announced the Celica would be discontinued in the united states at the end of the 2005 model year due to lack of sales . Celica sales hit 52,406 units in 2000, but dropped sharply to 14,856 in 2003 the sports coupe market was rapidly shrinking due in part to the 1997 Asian financial crisis . only 8,710 Celicas were sold in 2004, and only 3,113 sold in 2005 . the SS-I is powered by 1Z Toyota also released a limited-production version of the 7th generation called the TRD Sports M based on the SS-II . this version was rated at 200 hp (149 kW) and featured the Sports M was only sold exclusively in Japan . the reduction of engine displacement reflected a drop off in sales to Japanese customers due to the annual road tax liability of previous generations . British GT is actually the T-Sport with Traction Control with a different body kit, different alloy wheels, 30 mm lowered suspension and part leather part Alcantara interior . Powered by the 2ZZ-GE TRD Sportivo body kits are the same as Mechanical Sports Version in Japan . there were many Japanese market models sold in Singapore and Indonesia . United StatesA driver’s side SRS airbag is standard in all US models from Seat-mounted side airbags are optional from 2000 . NHTSA rating for 2005 model year is 4 stars for the Driver Front . the first world rally championship event for the Celica was 1972 RAC Rally . Group B Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64) won all six WRC events in Africa they entered . Celica GT-Four competed in Group A Rally racing from 1988 to 1997 . Carlos Sainz was the the ST185’s fourth consecutive Safari Rally victory came in 1995 . it was also Toyota’s 8th victory in this event . the ST205 became a center of controversy when TTE returned to the WRC . between 1994 and 1997, Rod Millen won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb three times using a Celica . the car was entered by Schnitzer via Toyota Deutschland and was driven by Harald Ertl and Ro Celica GT Coupe Turbo was built in Denmark in 1978–1979 and raced by Peter Hansen in the Danish championship . the car had the same 2,148 cc engine block (18R) and the same Mahle forged the team captured many class wins and the GTO Championship in 1987 . modified versions of stock Celicas were also used as the spec car in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race . a less stock version of the seventh-generation Celicas were successfully campaigned in the NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing series during the early 2000s . in japan, the team racing project bandoh created a special rear wheel drive variant of it was entered into GT300 class of the Japanese Grand Touring Championship until 2008 . they switched their car to Lexus IS350 in race 3 that season . 1973 – Celica introduced in liftback body style in Japan . 1978 – Second-generation Celica introduced; was awarded Motor Trend Import Car of the Year . 1979 – (Griffith produced) Sunchaser semi-convertible introduced, based on the 2nd 1983 – Toyota Team Europe (TTE) introduced the Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64) Group B rally car . 1984 – Celica GT-S among Consumer’s Digest “Best Buys” and Car and 1st year for the convertible (based on the RA65 GT-S) from ASC 250 made. 1985 – Fourth-generation; front-wheel drive introduced in August 1985. 4,248 units of 3rd generation 1988 – All-Trac Turbo / GT-Four model for export. 1990 – Fifth generation introduced . Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, driving ST165 GT-four became World Rally Champion (WRC). Didier Auriol won WRC title with ST185 GT-Four. 1994 – Sixth generation introduced. 1995 – New generation convertible / cabriolet (based on the ST202 & ST204) produced. Celica introduced the notchback coupe body style in 1998 . 2001 – US Consumer Reports rates Celica GT-S “Best Sports Coupe” “Most Wanted Sport Coupe – – Under $30,000” 2005 2006 – Toyota ended the production of the 7th-generation Celica in Japan and Europe.