1973 Toyota Celica

Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

For Sale: 1973 Toyota Celica The car is known as a 1st generation Celica - a series which Toyota had initially targeted to be a more affordable alternative to Toyota's sports car, the 2000GT. Here in the US market however, it was targeted not so much as a sports car but as a reliable and affordable entry level 2-door fitted with less-powered engines and mostly automatic transmissions compared to the JDM, Australian and European market cars. This car is a rare 38-year old true survivor, especially Celicas back in those days were generally ran to the ground. The body and under chassis are all remarkably original, no evidence of body work, patchwork or cut-up restoration that are common to most restored Celicas of the same vintage today. Having its roots properly associated with the WRC http://youtu.be/XuyXbO706yc and international motor sports, the future potential of collector car status of these early Celicas is great even here in the U.S. In Asia and Europe where these cars had beefier engines, restored examples are already selling for considerable amounts of money. It ranks high among Japanese vintage car enthusiasts due to its timeless lines. The car remains true to its age and vintage importantly retaining Toyota's reliability and does not pretend to be modern with modified modern gadgetry. It is tastefully not molested like most backyard project restoration. It is not a product of some one-off mix and match affair ranging from whimsical bodywork and interior modifications to outrageous engine hybrids/transplants common to most restorations that detract serious collectors. The exterior bright work is excellent. The front and rear bumpers which are iconic trademarks to these cars are both immaculate with no unsightly dings and have recently been re-chromed. I installed the more desirable 71-72 front and rear bumpers that are smooth and do not have the bumper bolts showing. I also added 71-72 flat lights and center fuel door along with the long style hood flutes and front turn signals. The locking gas cap is mint and functional. The jack and spare are all complete. The GT badges are originals. The front and rear spoilers are TRD copies made by Restored of Japan. Equally, the interior is original and complete with a non crack dash pad. There is an Auto Power Roll Bar which I added for safety. The paint work, although no longer the original factory paint, is new and of high quality and pristine and is complimented by the factory original style GT stripe kit. The body is all metal; no bondo. It is a completely rust free all original panel California car and still has the original California blue vanity plates. Although all American market 1st generation Celicas are generally considered least desirable by many due to the lack luster and underpowered single cam 18R engines and horrific over sized bumpers on later year models, this particular example has been fortunately restored to Japanese/European market Celica 2000 GT/GTV specs. It is powered by an era correct 2000cc 18RG engine which is a very desirable DOHC engine variant that Yamaha developed for Toyota. The 18RG is similar but more powerful than the Yamaha developed 1600cc 2TG engines found in Celica 1600 GT/GTVs sold outside the USA. As testimony to the success in reliability and speed of the engines developed by Yamaha for Toyota, the genesis of their collaboration in the mid 1960's had set several FIA world records for speed and endurance in a 72-hour test. The records were achieved in the two-seat hardtop coupe Toyota 2000GT. In fact, it is known that this was the reason why Porsche had to develop the now immortal 911R to beat the Toyota 2000GT. It was often said that these Yamaha DOHC engines were the crux of many Lotus twincam engineers.The successful collaboration between Yamaha and Toyota continues on today in the 1LR-GUE DOHC engine of the Lexus LFA supercar. The 18RG is mated to a W58 5-speed manual transmission that shifts and downshifts precisely and effortlessly. The original 40mm Mikuni Solex twin choke carburetors were rebuilt to achieve more power, better idling, acceleration and better overall fuel consumption and reliability. This car has no known mechanical issues. Wheel and tires are excellent all around. They are 13x7 zero offset vintage Panasport Aluminum racing wheels shod in Sumitomo 205/60/13 tires with less than 1000 miles on them. The suspension is tight. All loose or worn steering components were replaced and the front end aligned. The brake hoses were all replaced with stainless steel braided lines. The front sway bar is a beefier aftermarket unit. The rear shocks are new. The car has a White Line rear Panhard rod to keep the rear end centered. It has no annoying electrical gremlins that plague older cars. Recently rebuilt 18RG with TRD style Header.The exhaust is brand new from the Toysport Hi-rise TRD style steel header out to the rear. New TRD wires and cap. There are no fluid leaks. Absolutely no overheating even when driven very hard. Transmission was rebuilt by Toysport along with a new clutch assembly. The front windshield is new and all weatherstripping on the car is also new. The heater and defroster are in working condition along with all gauges. Yes even the clock works. The car is an original air conditioned car. I will include in the sale the condenser, compressor, and very hard to find 18RG A/C mounting bracket. The lines to the compressor will need to be made longer as the A/C compressor mounts on the left side of the engine and these are the shorter ones that came with the 18R which had a right side A/C compressor mount.The car needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately. It was properly built and dialed in by renowned Southern California vintage Toyota experts TOYSPORT who is the authority in the installation, servicing, tuning, and sales of vintage 18RG engines and parts. I just replaced rear brakes and rear wheel cylinders yesterday so they are new. The front are like new no issues. Also replaced were the oil and filter first one since the engine was rebuilt over a year ago and 1000 later. The car was donated to an oil company and was slated to be crushed. I saved it but car was given a salvage title. the car was originally owned by an elderly woman and she bought it new. It has 65000 miles on it when I got it. This car now is always garaged and pampered. You could not replicate this car for the price. Fly in and drive it home if you like.I am close to Los Angeles International Airport I would be happy to pick you up there. Note: The metal badge on the grille pass side does not go with the car. I will remove that if it sells. Just wanted to be clear on that. No Pay Pal. Payment to be be by one of the following Bank check , personal check, wire transfer or cash. Car will remain with me until check or transfer clears my bank. I am not interested in any trades. This car can not be replicated for this price. One would be hard pressed to build this car for $15000.00 to $18000.00. Okay for those that have asked I added a buy it now so there you go! I reserve the right to end the auction at any time as the car is for sale locally. I will ship the car anywhere in the world at the buyers expense however you will need to work with your own shipper and make your own arrangements. Once the car has been paid for I will work with your shipper meaning arrange a time where in the car can be picked up by them. The car is sold as is and all sales are final. There is no warranty written or implied. There are no additional parts with the sale. What you see is what you get. I would not hesitate to drive this car across country.