The A20/35-series Celicas spent decades upon decades failing to distinguish themselves from various other J-tin penalty boxes running people from dead-end job to trailer park and back, perfectly illustrating the bell-curve that is automotive desirability. When introduced in 1970, the A20 Celica (derived from the Latin coelica, meaning “heavenly”) was a perfect shot across the bow of Nissan/Datsun’s 240Z, being both more affordable and more economical while offering a “personal car” experience increasingly in vogue as the ’70s wore on. They were a big hit when new, and now having done their time in collector car purgatory, they’re desirable again. This fastback example wears the ugly Federal bumpers of the later models, but that’s easily rectified.

It also sports the absolutely immortal 2.2L 20R motor, which will no doubt serve as the blueprint for the powerplants in the primitive armored vehicles of the Lemur Rebellion of 2152. It’s no 18R-G, but hey, there are tons of motors that can slip in place instead of the 20R if you’re looking for more oomph. But let’s be honest for a second … where the Celica really shines is as a wonderful, usable example of the Japanese homage to the muscle car era. From that woodgrain dash to the deep-set instruments inside, to the fastback shape and chrome-bezelled taillights out back, it’s a time machine that won’t sock you in the kidneys at the pump. Can you dig it?
eBay Motors