Fantasy Junction

Description

1975 Toyota Celica 2000 GT

Chassis No. – RA28000430
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 18R-G 2.0 Liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 96,892 kms
Current Ownership – Purchased November 2005
Kilometers driven by Current Owner – approximately 8,000 kms

General Overview

Compact, sporty, and favorably priced, the all new 1970 Celica was the ideal car for the growing compact market. Japanese performance cars were already known to much of the world. Datsun had recently brought in the 240Z, and Toyota had built the 2000GT, albeit in small numbers, but these was strictly two-seat sports cars. The Celica had a small fuel-efficient engine, sporty looks, a usable back seat, and a very favorable price.Sporty, fun, and offered in bright colors, the Celica featured chrome trim, race-inspired interiors, and allowed easy seating for larger American occupants. Originally offered in 1970 as a notchback, by 1971 the fastback model arrived at great acclaim. Penned after the looks of the successful 1969 Mustang fastback, the Celica offered the fastback roofline with the added feature of liftback storage.

The Celica was not only a big hit with US customers, it was a worldwide success achieving a million units sold by 1977. During that time, Toyota amassed wins in European Rally races, British Touring Car Championships, and US venues as well. In 1975, the Celica was updated with revised front bumper and grille and by 1976 it was awarded “Motor Trend Car of the Year”. Though not specified for US cars, in 1975 the JDM 18R-G 143hp twin-cam, twin Mikuni-Solex DCOE carbureted engine was offered in the Celica. Formidably paired with a 5-speed transmission, this Yamaha developed twin-cam powered package received rave reviews in contemporary automotive journals. The 18R-G powered Celica continues to be considered one of the most important examples of Japanese automotive history, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of unique JDM performance cars.

History of this 2000 GT

According to recorded information in the original owner’s service record book, this Celica was purchased by the first owner, a resident of Switzerland who recorded the first service in March 1976, in Novazzano, the Southern portion of Switzerland. These service entries begin with 1,200 kms and continue with numerous consecutive service stubs retained in the service booklet through the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s. The final entry is recorded in February 2005 with 89,115 kms. Additional internal records include copies of Swiss ownership papers indicating the original and second owner, the first of which owned the car through 2002 and the second through 2005, both residents of Switzerland. The current family owners purchased this car and imported it from Switzerland in 2005. At that time, it was confirmed to be one of the very few JDM factory 18R-G RA25 Celicas built from 1973-1975, which included a 7.5” 2-pinion 3.909 Limited Slip Differential (F313 on the tag), original 18R-G twin cam engine, and rare left hand drive configuration. Additionally, a copy of the 2005 issued FIVA card assigned to the prior owner is included with the documentation supporting this 2000 GT.

Under the past 20 years of current family ownership, this 2000 GT has remained in a family collection of vintage sports cars. A 2023 major service included a new distributor cap, and coil, electronic ignition conversion, a new fuel pump, a new upper radiator hose, a new driver’s side window regulator and plastic window bushings, replacement of the front disc brake pads, and the purchase and installation of a set of rare Campagnolo 13” wheels installed with wheel spacers. A new battery was installed in 2024.

General Condition

Today with 96,9892 kilometers indicated, the kilometers are documented with records supporting the accrued miles to be original to this car. The current cosmetic condition is very good including the paint which retains a nice gloss, smooth surface, and rich color. Preserved by the prior two owners and current family owners, the history of ownership covers the original owner, second owner, and current US ownership. The finish does show signs of age and typical front facing road chips, and a few dings on the forward portion of the hood, but the body panel gaps are consistent with original factory specifications, even for the doors at the bottom edges. The exterior finish includes white door meatballs and front fender script naming the driving team when the car was driven in vintage European road events. A pair of rare cast alloy 13” Campagnolo wheels are mounted wearing Vredestein 185/70 R13 Sprint Classic tires dated 2023.

The original black vinyl interior presents with factory features and finishes including the contoured seats, center console, and a preserved dashboard. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels all have a very nice quality feel to the finishes, as does the headliner and rear storage area, all of which appear to be original preserved features in harmony with the documented miles. The dashboard features clean and contrasting gauge faces, molded black dash padding, a correct steering wheel and factory audio system, and the correct 5-speed manual transmission with Limited Slip Differential specific to the 18R-G equipped 2000 GT. Other features include AM radio, in-dash mounted Toyota cassette player, Jeco clock, faux wood door and rear side panel accents, retractable cargo cover, and recessed side panel mounted speakers. The rear storage area is clean and well-maintained, and the hatch operates easily when opened and closed. The headliner displays wrinkles due to material adhesion and age. Under prior ownership portions of the headliner were stapled into place in various areas. While under former ownership, this Celica participated in several rally events including the 1984 Rallye de St. Cirque as shown on the center console participation plate.

Under the forward tilting hood, the engine bay and 18R-G twin-cam engine deliver an impressive and correct presentation including correct Mikuni Solex carburetors and Yamaha twin cam specification head. The engine and engine compartment display correct finishes reflective of this series production including the correct series 88210 exhaust manifold, stamped steel intake chamber and forward air snorkel (often discarded and replaced with aftermarket breathers), correct oil filler cap, and correct protective sparkplug wires. The finishes are nicely detailed and well prepared given the unrestored condition of this Celica. The undercarriage displays very good unibody floor pans, no visual signs of structural damage or repairs, and correct suspension components. Surface corrosion is present along selected edges of the body to chassis pan seams and there is a small area of raised bubble corrosion at the lower portion of the front fender under the white rocker panel stripe. The engine and transmission casting/stampings and correct factory hardware are in excellent condition. This Celica is accompanied by a set of original owner’s manuals, a set of tools and tool roll, documentation from the original ownership, and service records under current ownership.

This is an unrivaled opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire one of the most desirable and rapidly rising collector cars of the modern sports car era. With the rare 2000 GT designation, excellent preserved condition, and desirable twin-cam 18R-G engine, this Toyota Celica is sure to delight any automotive enthusiast or astute collector seeking an iconic example of JDM performance history.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608