The Toyota Celica was produced from 1970 to 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word Coeilca (celestial). In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships Toyota Corolla Store.
Throughout its life span the Celica has been powered by various 4-cylinder engines. The most significant change occurred in August 1985, when the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel to front-wheel drive. Displayed at the October 1970 Tokyo Motor Show and marketed from December of the same year, the Celica was a two-door hardtop coupe that emphasized styling and driving enjoyment based on a platform shared with the Toyota Carina Sedan which is one size above the Corolla. This car was aimed at the North American market and was Toyota's response to the 1964 Ford Mustang, and in Europe to the Capri.
In August 1972 the tail lights were updated from 1 piece tail light (affectionately called 1-tail or flat lights) to tail lights with distinctive raised brake & turn signal "bubble" lenses. The rear center panel was also redesigned as the fuel tank was moved from the trunk bottom to behind the rear seats & the fuel filler was moved from a concealed location between the tail lights to the left "C" pillar.
Specifications