Cool Wheels: 1983 Toyota Celica ST
Cars that are born to be driven hard around race tracks or tricky mountain roads (lookin’ at you Nürburgring) need to have certain assets like power, handling, and torsional rigidity. But if you chop the top off that same car, you’ve now got something that is more for cruising and now the vehicular aesthetics are more important than the ratio spacing of the gearbox. Because when you’ve got a soft top, you need cool looking wheels…and this next car delivers in spades. Find this 1983 Toyota Celica ST convertible offered for $8900 in Atlanta, GA via craigslist.
From the seller:
1983 Toyota Celica
condition: like new
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 117000
size: mid-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
Rare: 1983 Toyota Celica ST
Convertible
117,000 original miles
2.4 liter 4 cylinder
5 Speed manual transmission
New:
Top $2500
Interior $1200
Only 200 were made with convertible done by Toyota authorized Matrix corporation when they came off the boat in California.
Well maintained with some receipts.
Always kept In the garage
Runs and shifts like it did 38 years ago.
Hot heat
AC works; need to be converted to R-134
Tires have more than 85% remaining tread.
All electronics work, except the horn.
These are skyrocketing in value so my price is fair and firm.
No trades
Thank you
See a better way to cruise in perfect 80s style without breaking the bank? tips@dailyturismo.com
Whatever you’re giving up in handling and excitement (boring color combo), you’re making up for in durability and longevity with that 22R and ‘80s Toyota build quality.
As long as it’s kept in comparable condition going forward, this is probably the last time this car will sell for under $10K, sad to say. I don’t think this is how I’d spend the money, but if a chopped Celica is your thing, this seems like a good deal.
That was my actual old car. I was so elated to find it on a FB post. In the end the seller reneged on the deal. I’m so bummed. So close….
Two friends and I were looking to buy new cars in fall of 83. Our budget focused us down to a choice between a new Celica, or a new 83 Honda Prelude (with the newly designed hidden headlights), or the the new Pontiac Fiero (first year 84 model). A friend bought a Fiero, she sold it within 2 years – said it was impractical with a few build problems. Other friend was going to buy the Celica, but got convinced by a dealer to buy an 84 Chrysler Laser. It seemed like every time I saw the car there were more parts that had broken or fallen off. He got rid of it within 3 years. I bought the 5 speed Prelude. Kept it for 17 years and drove it just under 300,000 miles. Started every day. Wish I still had it. It was no speed machine, but really fun to drive.
If this is not the most boring color and design ever in the history of automobiles, show me something else. At least give me an earlier pod shaped Sunchaser if I have to drive a Yota.sheesh.ten large! Pass the bong.
Absolutely the best generation Celica, love the origami folds and the no-nonsense shape devoid of excess curves and pointless drama. This is the one to get if you’re okay with beige on beige. Me? Next time there’s an opening in my garage a red one will do nicely.
Not bad, but I’d rather have a hatchback. I thought these were good looking cars.