1978 Toyota Celica Description
Hello - thanks for taking a look at my ad! This Celica is one-of-a-kind. Please read through my ad, ask any questions you have, and bid with confidence. She's a time capsule and is a blast to drive.
I have TONS more photos & video of starting, driving, etc. I will post a link below but sometimes eBay disables links automatically. If it does not work, search YouTube for: "FOR SALE: 1978 Celica GT Liftback (RA42), 2.2L, 5-speed, check it out!"
DescriptionI acquired this '78 Celica at an estate sale in Rochester, NY in April 2020. At the time, it had been parked indoors since 2012/2013. I picked it up and had a few months to tinker with it because of corona and such. I changed the oil, flushed the coolant, flushed the fuel, changed and spark plugs and wires, new brake pads, and put new tires on (they're good quality used tires). She starts right up and drives great! I have driven it a couple hundred miles at this point and encountered no issues, it's a fun little car and honestly turns heads left and right. Transmission is smooth, steering is good, engine picks up very nicely.
Take a look at the pics and video. As is, she is fine and can be driven "out of the box". There are small cosmetic items that you could work on and really shine her up (driver seat has a tear, little dings from normal use, tach doesn't function, could use a total detailing, etc.). This could really be a show car, especially with all the paperwork included - see the list below. It comes with TONS of original paperwork along with some promotional materials (a few magazines this model was featured in, etc.).
It it titled in Vermont with an "antique" plate (I applied for it because I think it looks cool). You can keep is registered in Vermont (yes, even if you're from out-of-state) or you can retitle it in your home state. Title is clean and clear, I'll supply you with a bill of sale or whatever you need to register in your home state.
I am selling her on a NO RESERVE auction - good luck to all and please ask me any questions that you have. As for shipping, I list the options below, if you send me your zip code I can reply with a quote from my transporter. Thanks!!
Video Link:https://youtu.be/-6nZPeGKZl8
Photo Link:https://youtu.be/UtGd6LPjVIE
Vehicle Info
- Year: 1978
- Make: Toyota
- Model: Celica
- Sub-model: GT
- Body style: Coupe (liftback)
- Color: Purple
- Engine: 20R(2.2L, in-line 4 cylinder), front position, 2190cc, 95hp @ 4800rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed standard
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Drivetrain: RWD
Stats
- Wheelbase: 98.4in
- Length: 173.6in
- Width: 65.6in
- Height: 51.6in
- Curb Weight: 2326lbs
Maintenance (the major stuff, on top of the typical maintenance)
- 5/1992 - Exhaust manifold replacement
- 10/2004 - Complete clutch rebuild
- 7/2006 - Radiator replacement
- 3/2008 - Water pump, oil seal, thermostat,a/c compressor belt and alternator belt replacement
- 9/2011 - Car was donated to Monroe County NYS BOCES for one semester, as a paint project.Original color was black. Car was finished with purple with glossy clear coat.Fine job overall, some areas of overspray in wheel wells, engine bay,etc. Great job taping and removing/replacing badges. No bubbling found!Impressed overall. Chrome accents on wheel wells were not replaced, they are in the trunk.
- 11/2013 - Complete rear differential replacement
- 7/2020 - Oil change, coolant flush, fuel flush, new spark plugs & wires, brake pads and tires.
Materials
- Original mileage statement from 1978, citing the vehicle’s dealership (Mt. Read Toyota of Rochester, NY), with a starting odometer reading of 7 miles.
- Many DMV records from New York & California (where it appears the car spent most of it's life).
- Receipts for above major maintenance items, along with preventative maintenance (oil changes, coolant flushes, tires changes, brake pad/rotor/caliper replacements, miscellaneous bubs/fuses/etc.) from over the years.
- Most recent maintenance, as of July 8th,2020: oil change, coolant flush, fuel flush, new spark plugs and wires, pads, tires.
- Clean Vermont title. Currently has “Antique” classified license plate.
Also comes with:
- Original owner’s manual
- Original odometer statement (citing 7 miles)
- Road Test Automotive Entertainment front page,January 1978, regarding the “Fast, Sexy, Fun To Drive: Fabulous New Celica Liftback"
- Toyota Motor Sales, USA magazine advertisement,unspecified month 1978, highlighting the 1978 Toyota Celica GT
- Toyota Motor Sales, USA magazine, unspecified month 2007, 50-year anniversary edition, spot lighting the Celica model lineup.
- Haynes Manual – 1978 to 1981 Toyota Celica, all4-cylinder models
- Haynes Manual – 1971 to 1985 Toyota Celica,rear-wheel drive models
Awards
- Import Car of the Year 1978
Shipping Details - you have two options:A) Set up your own shipping arrangement. I can have someone meet you (or your transporter) to hand off the paperwork, title, keys, etc.
B) I have a couple transporters that I have worked with in the past. I can arrange the shipping for you, if you desire. Minimum price is $550, max charge is $2550. Insured, white glove service, delivered straight to your door. Pre-payment required, shipping to lower 48 only, needs 30 days lead time.
Payment Details:I accept cashier's checks, money orders, personal checks (5-day waiting period), Venmo, PayPal, Zelle.
PLEASE ask any questions you have! I will respond within 12hr (and probably a lot sooner to be honest). PLEASE do not bid if you do not intend on paying. Sorry for the long and repetitive ad, I just wanted to make sure I cover everything A to Z. Thank you!