Toyota Celica TA22 GT
When Toyota launched the Celica in December 1970, it was making a bold statement: Japan could produce a specialty sports coupe to rival the American pony car concept. The first-generation Celica, internally designated TA22 for the twin-cam GT version, drew unabashed inspiration from the Ford Mustang's formula of attractive styling, multiple engine options, and accessible pricing. Yet the Celica was distinctly Japanese in its engineering and execution, and it would go on to become one of Toyota's most successful and enduring nameplates.
The TA22 GT featured the 2T-G engine, a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four with twin Mikuni-Solex side-draft carburetors producing 115 horsepower. This was a sophisticated engine for the era, with a true dual overhead camshaft design, hemispherical combustion chambers, and a free-revving character that invited the driver to use the full rev range. The engine note, a characteristic twin-cam wail at high RPM, became one of the defining sounds of 1970s Japanese sports cars.
The styling, penned by Toyota's in-house design team, was a masterful blend of influences. The long hood, short deck proportions echoed American pony cars, while the fastback roofline and clean surfaces showed a more European sensibility. The Coke-bottle waist, flared fenders, and round taillights created a design that was fresh and contemporary. Toyota borrowed a page from American marketing by offering the Celica with an extensive options list, allowing buyers to personalize their cars.
The TA22 was offered in multiple body styles including a hardtop coupe and liftback. The GT specification, with its twin-cam engine, was the most sporting version, though the car was also available with single-cam engines for budget-conscious buyers. The Liftback variant, introduced in 1973, added hatchback practicality to the Celica's sporting character and proved extremely popular.
In motorsport, the Celica made an immediate impact. It was campaigned in rally competition worldwide, with notable success in the RAC Rally and Australian events. The combination of a willing engine, light weight, and predictable rear-wheel-drive handling made it a competitive platform that foreshadowed Toyota's future dominance in World Rally Championship competition with the Celica GT-Four.
The first-generation Celica was a commercial triumph, selling over 1.2 million units worldwide during its seven-year production run. It established Toyota as a maker of desirable sports cars and created a model line that would continue for six generations through 2006. The TA22's influence can be traced through every subsequent Celica, and its formula of accessible, stylish sports motoring influenced Toyota's approach to performance cars for decades.
Today, the TA22 Celica is a prized collector car, particularly in GT specification with the 2T-G twin-cam engine. Its combination of vintage Japanese charm, motorsport heritage, and increasingly rare survival rates has driven values upward significantly. The cleanest examples, particularly in desirable colors with original interiors, command strong premiums in the collector market.
Rust is the primary concern, particularly in the floor pans, fender wells, lower door skins, and trunk area. The 2T-G twin-cam engine is desirable but check for worn cam bearings, timing chain stretch, and oil leaks. Twin-cam models command significant premiums over single-cam variants - verify engine authenticity. The 5-speed manual gearbox is preferred. Check for rear axle leaks and worn bushings. Chrome trim and rubber seals are increasingly difficult to source. Original colors and interiors add substantial value. Many surviving cars have been modified - original-condition examples are rare and valuable.
The first-generation Celica was produced from December 1970 to 1977, with over 1.2 million units built across all variants. The TA22 designation refers to the twin-cam GT model; single-cam cars carry different chassis codes. The car was sold worldwide and was one of Toyota's first truly global sports car successes.