Toyota Celica 2nd Gen

Launched for the 1978 model year, the second-generation Celica (A40/A50) moved away from the first-gen's pony car curves toward a crisper, more contemporary design. Styled at Toyota's Calty Design studio in California, the Liftback model in particular drew comparisons to the Ford Mustang, earning it the 'Japanese Mustang' nickname. In North America, power came from Toyota's famously durable 2.2L 20R and later the 2.4L 22R inline-four engines, mated to either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission.

Today's collectors appreciate the A40 Celica for its distinctive late-70s/early-80s styling, legendary reliability, and simple mechanicals. The Liftback body style is generally more sought-after than the coupe, with the GT trim being the most desirable standard model. Rare variants like the Griffith-built Sunchaser convertible conversion add another layer of interest, though they are seldom seen for sale. These cars represent a great entry point into vintage Japanese car ownership.

The market for the second-gen Celica is quite broad. While the average sale price hovers around $12,000, this figure includes everything from well-used drivers to pristine survivors. Condition and originality are the primary value drivers. Project cars can be found for under $5,000, while excellent, low-mileage examples regularly sell for over $25,000. The very best, time-capsule cars can fetch extraordinary prices, as evidenced by a sale at $61,000.

Prices for the second-generation Celica range from around $3,500 for project cars to over $60,000 for exceptional, low-mileage examples.