The word Rare doesnt even come close to describing this stunning little gem...
This would have to one of very few surviving genuine factory built TA22 1600 GT Twin Cam Celicas left on the planet.
Known to us for many decades this rare little Celica was purchased by its long term family owners back in the early nineties and although a very clean original car its rarity was recognised even back then, so it was given a light cosmetic restoration many years ago, (with lots of photos to record the work included in the sale) and has mostly been in storage on and off for almost 30 years, with little use since.
According to the documentation that accompanies this rare car it was originally purchased as a special import brand new through Consolidated Motor Industries for a private owner in the Wairau Valley in the sunny Marlborough region with its service agents being listed as Mills Toyota of Blenheim according to its original service books.
This car would have certainly created a bit of a stir when in for servicing at Toyota among the standard offerings of the day thats for sure...and I would imagine it would have been well known in the region.
The body on this gorgeous Celica is in remarkable order as its been out of harms way and under cover for most of its life, it is showing no evidence of ever having had any major repairs either, collision or rust wise, and is finished in its original hue of Deep Sparkling Emerald Green metallic as per its original spec.
The engine residing in the engine bay is the original matching numbers 2TG 1600 Twin Cam this GT was born with, complete with its original Makuni Solex Side Drought carbs and factory air box, and has historical receipts for a rebuild at one point.
The interior is largely original right down to the original gear knob and steering wheel, and being finished in a clean bone colour contrasts nicely with the exterior. The dash layout in these cars is amazing and it really is a very cool place to sit back and experience the torque and sound of the little Twin Cam with its side suckers!
All of the chrome and brightwork is still in very good order and it appears to be complete right down to the original honey comb grille and special GT badging.
These little first generation Celicas still look fantastic today, they were just bang on with their timeless styling, and this example was a factory high performance hot rod so performs very well with the Twin Cam coupled up to the five speed gearbox.
A very very rare car, there are a few homemade Twin Cam first generation Celicas out there, but not factory original JDM spec cars like this example, and to find one that came here new would be almost impossible.
A lot rarer than an RX3 Coupe.. half the money too, but make no mistake its certainly not half the car...
Inspection will impress a genuine buyer who appreciates what this car actually is, a good honest unrestored example of a very desirable Japanese 70s Muscle Car, and a very rare opportunity for an astute collector.