Toyota Celica 2nd Gen
Often called the 'Japanese Mustang,' the second-generation Celica offered crisp, American-influenced styling and legendary reliability. It remains an accessible and stylish entry into vintage Japanese car ownership with a wide value range.
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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.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Thoroughly inspect the rocker panels, wheel arches, floor pans, and the areas around the windshield and rear hatch glass.
- The 20R and 22R engines are tough, but listen for a rattling sound on startup, which indicates worn timing chain guides. Check for common oil leaks.
- Inspect the interior for sun damage. Dashboards are known to crack, and finding clean replacement trim pieces is challenging.
- Verify all electrical components, including gauges, lights, and the original radio. Brittle wiring from this era can cause intermittent faults.
Prices for the second-generation Celica range from around $3,500 for project cars to over $60,000 for exceptional, low-mileage examples.
298 Toyota Celica 2nd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 97 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Toyota Celica 2nd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 97 Toyota Celica 2nd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.