10k: Blue Fin Sashimi: 1973 Toyota Celica ST

The first generation Celica isn’t a fast car in stock form, but it is an excellent chassis for a good restomod (restoration/modification).  Don’t do all the work yourself, instead pick up something like this 1973 Toyota Celica ST offered with a fresh coat of blue paint, fender flares, some “fat” wheels, a rebuilt 20R engine and more classic JDM style than you can shake a chopstick at.  Find it on Los Angeles area craigslist for $8,500 asking.

The asking price is a bit on the high side for a first generation Celica, but the overall package doesn’t look bad and if the work has been done correctly it could represent a good case of “the other guy’s money.”  Make no mistake, this isn’t a restoration, it is a resto-mod, so be sure to check every detail, find out who painted it (even contact the paint shop and verify – ask questions about condition of car prior to paint).  If a thorough inspection is out of your expertise, head over to your favorite mechanic, a Celica forum or jewelorjalopy and pay for a proper PPI.

See a better piece of blue fin sashimi? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com