Toyota

The first-generation Toyota Celica was launched in 1970 as an affordable sporting coupé, sharing its platform and mechanical components with the Toyota Carina. Inspired by the successful American pony-car formula, particularly the Ford Mustang, it combined distinctive styling with conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive engineering. Initially offered as a two-door hardtop coupé, the range expanded in 1973 with the fastback-style Liftback, which became one of the Celica’s most recognisable variants. European models were offered with 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, with the sporting GT versions receiving powerful twin-cam units and five-speed gearboxes. Several updates followed during its long production run, including a substantial facelift for 1976. The first Celica remained in production until 1977, establishing Toyota as a serious contender in the affordable sporting-car market.

The second-generation Toyota Celica appeared in 1977 with completely new, more angular styling developed at Toyota’s California design studio. Coupé and Liftback versions continued, both retaining the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Larger glass areas improved visibility, while European versions were principally offered with 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. A 1979 facelift introduced square headlights, a revised grille and new rear lights. This generation also formed the basis of the six-cylinder Celica Supra and remained in production until 1981.