Random # 251: 1980 Toyota Celica LT

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I can't remember the last time I saw a Celica like this, even though the earlier coupes and lift-backs seem to remain quite popular.  What I can recall, however, is the derision these so-called "librarians' cars"* used to cop.


Ok, so the 2.0 litre SOHC Celica wasn't the most exhilarating car of its day but it was nicely appointed, with velour seats and an AM / FM radio / cassette (?) and four speakers, plus a five-speed box and better than passable handling.  Aircon may have been an option but it didn't feature on my mate's car that we drove from Hobart to Queensland in 1982, and we actually had to wind our own windows and manually adjust the driver's side-only exterior rear-view mirror.  What can I say?  We were made of tougher stuff back then!   


The one shown here - identical to the other AW's in every respect except the seat fabric - was in apparently completely original, and remarkably fine, condition.  The paint was unblemished, the exterior plastics didn't appear to have succumbed to UV damage and the interior was near mint.  It was about as good an example as you might hope to see of a 38 year old car.







U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images

* No slur against librarians intended.

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