Toyota Celica 3rd Gen
The 3rd generation Celica captures 1980s Japanese design with its sharp wedge shape and pop-up headlights. As the last rear-wheel-drive Celica, it's a popular and affordable entry point into classic Japanese car ownership.
Find one with Spotter →Toyota Celica 3rd Gen sold for a median of $10,500 over the last 12 months, based on 11 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $6,480 and $16,468. 184 currently for sale.
Listings
The third-generation A60 Celica, sold from 1981 to 1985, marked a dramatic styling shift with its sharp, wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights. Available as a coupe or liftback, it shared its platform with the more powerful Celica Supra. The most desirable models are the GT-S variants, which featured fender flares, an independent rear suspension, and sportier interior appointments.
Collectors appreciate the A60 for its quintessential 80s styling and its status as the last rear-wheel-drive Celica. This platform offers a classic front-engine, rear-drive experience that was lost when the Celica switched to front-wheel drive in 1986. The legendary reliability of the 22R and 22R-E engines, combined with a strong enthusiast community, makes ownership approachable and enjoyable.
The market for the A60 Celica is broad, with an average sale price around $12,700. While project cars can be found for just a few thousand dollars, pristine, low-mileage examples, especially GT-S models, have sold for over $44,000. These top sales prove a growing appreciation for well-preserved examples of this 80s Japanese sports coupe.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Check thoroughly around the wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and under the seals for the hatch and sunroof.
- The 22R-E engine is durable, but listen for a rattling sound on startup, which indicates worn timing chain guides. Check for signs of a failing head gasket, like milky oil or coolant loss.
- GT-S models feature an independent rear suspension. Inspect the differential for leaks and check all suspension bushings for wear, as they are often worn out.
- Interior plastics can be brittle. Check for cracks in the dashboard and other trim pieces. Test all electronics, especially the pop-up headlight motors and digital instrument cluster, if equipped.
Prices range from around $1,000 for project cars to over $44,000 for concours-quality examples.
512 Toyota Celica 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 184 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Toyota Celica 3rd Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Toyota Celica 3rd Gen sold for a median of $10,500 across 11 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $6,480 and $16,468. There are 184 currently for sale.
How many Toyota Celica 3rd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 184 Toyota Celica 3rd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.