30/09/2025
Toyota Celica 😘
The 1st generation Toyota Celica, produced from 1970-1977, was Toyota's answer to American pony cars, available as coupes and hatchbacks with various inline-four engines and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Early models, from 1970-1975, featured a "slant nose" design, while a refreshed "flat nose" body style was introduced in 1974. Key trims included the base ET, mid-level ST, and high-performance GT, which could be powered by engines ranging from 1.4L to 2.2L.
Key Characteristics
Body Styles: The first generation was available as a two-door coupe and a two-door hatchback (Liftback).
Powertrain: It was a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a range of inline-four engines, from 1.4L (ET) to 2.2L (ST) and the 2.0L 18R-G twin-cam in the GT.
Design Evolution:
Slant Nose (1970-1975): The initial models had a distinctive trapezoidal-shaped front corner light.
Flat Nose (1974-1977): A redesigned "flat nose" body style was introduced mid-cycle, offering a different aesthetic.
Trim Levels: Toyota offered various trim levels with different engines and features.
ET: The entry-level trim, often featuring a 1.4L engine.
ST: A mid-level model with options like the 1.6L (2T) or 2.0L (18R-C) engines and equipped with hubcaps and a center console.
GT: The performance-oriented trim, featuring the more powerful 143hp 18R-G twin-cam engine and styled wheels.
Production and Replacement
The first-generation Celica debuted in 1970 for the 1971 model year and was built until 1977, when it was succeeded by the second generation.
