Mustang Mimic: 1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback – Sold?
(To stop the slideshow and expand the pictures, click on the current photograph below)
June 13, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
If this 1977 Toyota Celica GT hatchback originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Providence, Rhode Island reminds you of another classic car but you just can’t place it, you’re not alone. Often nicknamed the “Japanese Mustang” or the “Mustang Celica”, the first generation liftback version of the rear-wheel-drive Toyota Celica took a bit too many styling cues from Ford’s iconic 1969-1970 Mustang Fastback. That sincere form of flattery aside, the Celica was a well-proportioned and attractive car that returned decent fuel economy.
Toyota’s Celica also mimicked Ford’s Mustang in an unintended way: rust. Japanese steel produced in the 1970s was not of good quality and as a result, many Japanese cars from the period have long since rusted away. The seller reports their Celica was sourced from Texas where it managed to avoid a similar fate.
Currently offered for $20,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, reveals the ask is slightly below this guide’s one-year average of $24,623 based on 13 sales ranging from $14,000 to $61,000. Similarly, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $16,725.
The In16mm YouTube Channel provides this mid-1970s Toyota Celica GT Liftback commercial:
The scarcity of rust-free Celicas of this vintage is now pushing the prices of these cars upward.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“A beautiful and rare vintage item! This model was called ‘the yellow rose of Texas. In great condition. The photos speak for themselves. clean title. 3rd owner. Has never been in the snow. I acquired it in Nevada. No rust anywhere. Much of the interior is in original condition. Some interior replacements were made. Have all of the maintenance records and some spare parts, including a spare set of rims. Runs beautifully. No mechanical issues. Can drive it away as is. To improve it to peak performance, some routine maintenance will be needed, but nothing major.
note: having issues uploading photos to CL. will try again later. Can send pics at your request.”
Show or go: what would you do with this 1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback? Please comment below and let us know!
My cousin had a green 70s Celica, and in the early 90s a coworker had one. I really liked the interior dashboard & cockpit design of this car. They had nice interiors imo!