Highlights

• Fully restored inside and out by the previous owner
• Highly original
• Always parked in dry storage
• Equipped with an LPG system

The Appeal

Often dubbed the 'Japanese Mustang', it's hard to deny there's a real Americana flavour to the liftback iteration of the Celica. It's a beautifully sorted, charismatic sort of four-pot sports car that proved more reliable and efficient than its contemporary rivals, even if it wasn't quite as much of an asphalt-lifting speed machine.

It's still, all the same, highly engaging, and when the Celica is on the road it rewards every moment you spend with it. It's little wonder then that forty years later, cars like this one are capturing plenty of interest.

With just 135,000km on the clock, this 1981 example has been kept in dry storage and boasts a very evocative striped livery to boot. The simple elegance of the Celica's straight, angular lines is proudly on display, and with its direct interaction between driver and road, it still feels every bit the analogue motor without skimping on features.

The History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1981
• Bought 5 years ago, fully restored inside and outside by the previous owner
• Service has always been done on time
• 135,000 km on the clock, which is reportedly genuine
• Always parked in dry storage
• Only taken out twice a month for a short drive

The Condition

• Body fully resprayed and looks in very good order
• Paintwork in fine fettle and carrying a nice shine
• Glasswork and lenses in good order
• Some areas of storage dust, but a wipe down will do the trick to get it looking its best
• No clear corrosion underneath
• Interior is all genuine except for the two front seats, which have been replaced with more comfortable seats
• Whole interior presents well with no rips or tears
• All instruments are clear and legible
• We're told that everything works as it should
• Modern JVC stereo fitted
• Complete with air conditioning, clock and ashtray
• Wooden fascia in good overall order
• Dash plastics in good order with age-commensurate wear
• Some wear to the carpets

The Mechanics

• 1968cc 4-cylinder engine offering circa 135bhp
• Desirable 5-speed manual transmission
• Engine bay looks in good order 
• Converted to LPG
• Other than this, the car is reportedly factory standard
• All links and suspension are reportedly in good condition
• The vendor reports that the car is in fine working order

BEFORE YOU BUY