Editing Toyota Celica (section)

=={{anchor|A20|A30}} First generation (A20, A30; 1970) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = 1970 Toyota Celica 01.jpg
| caption = Toyota Celica coupé 1600 GT (TA22, Japan)
| model_code = {{flatlist|
*A20
*A30
}}
| production = December 1970 – July 1977<ref name=VIM/>
| class = [[Sports car]]
| body_style = {{unbulleted list
  | 3-door [[liftback]] [[coupé]]
  | 2-door [[hardtop]]
  }}
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| related = [[Toyota Carina]]
| engine = {{unbulleted list
  | 1.4 L [[Toyota T engine#T|''T'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.6 L [[Toyota T engine#2T|''2T/2T-B'']] I4
  | 1.6 L [[Toyota T engine#2T-G|''2T-G'']] [[DOHC|Twin Cam]] I4
  | 1.9 L [[Toyota R engine#8R|''8R'']] I4
  | 2.0 L [[Toyota R engine#18R|''18R'']] I4
  | 2.0 L [[Toyota R engine#18R|''18R-G'']] Twin Cam I4
  | 2.2 L [[Toyota R engine#20R|''20R'']] I4
  }}
| transmission = {{unbulleted list
  | 4-speed [[Toyota W transmission#W40|W40]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
  | 5-speed [[Toyota W transmission#W50|W50]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
  | 3-speed [[Toyota A transmission#A40|A40]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
  }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|94.75|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=Motor197112>{{cite journal |title=Road Test: Toyota Celica |journal=[[The Motor (magazine)|Motor]] |pages=14–19 |date= 1971-12-04 }}</ref>
| length = {{convert|164.2|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} (pre-facelift), {{convert|171.5|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} (facelift)<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Toyota/Celica/Toyota_US%20Celica_1975.pdf|title=Auto-Brochures|access-date=2024-11-13}}</ref>
| width = {{convert|63.0|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| height = {{convert|53|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=Motor197112/>
| weight = {{convert|890-1186|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
}}

Displayed at the October 1970 [[Tokyo Motor Show#1970|Tokyo Motor Show]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/history/17.html |title=History: The 17th Tokyo Motor Show 1970 |work=Tokyo Motor Show |publisher=[[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] (JAMA) |access-date=2012-02-04 |archive-date=2017-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034419/http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/history/17.html |url-status=live }}</ref> together with the [[Toyota Carina (A10)|Toyota Carina]]<ref>{{cite web |title=50 YEAR CLUB: The Toyota Celica, a pivotal player in Japan's car culture |url=http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/50-year-club-toyota-celica-daruma-a20-ta22-ra25/#more-82808 |website=Japanese Nostalgic Car |date=December 2020 |access-date=30 December 2020}}</ref> and marketed from December of the same year, the Celica was a two-door hardtop coupé that emphasized styling and driving enjoyment. Based on a platform shared with the Carina [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<ref name=CelicaCarina75>{{cite web |url=https://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/text/entering_the_automotive_business/chapter1/section3/item4.html |title=75 Years of TOYOTA {{!}} Part2 Chapter1 Section3 {{!}} Item 4. Celica and Carina |publisher=Toyota |year=2012 |access-date=2020-09-09 |archive-date=2021-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509075706/http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/text/entering_the_automotive_business/chapter1/section3/item4.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which is one size above the [[Toyota Corolla (E20)|Toyota Corolla]], and a shared size with the [[Toyota Corona (T80)|Toyota Corona]], according to [[Automobile Magazine]], the ''Celica'' was based on the ''Corona'' platform.<ref name="Automobile"/>

This car was aimed at the North American market and was Toyota's response to the 1964½ [[Ford Mustang (first generation)|Ford Mustang]] ([[Pony car]]) which also was based on the standard sedan with stylized 2+2 bodywork.<ref>{{cite book |last=Long |first=Brian |year=2007 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=oDswDwAAQBAJ |title=Celica and Supra: The Book of Toyota's Sports Coupés |location=[[Poundbury]] |publisher=[[Veloce Publishing|Veloce]] |page=106 |isbn=978-1-90478-813-3 }}</ref><ref name="Automobile"/>

In Japan where different dealer chains handle different models the Celica was exclusive to ''[[Toyota Corolla Store]]'' Japanese dealerships. The Celica filled a market position previously held by the 1965–1969 [[Toyota Sports 800]], when ''Toyota Corolla Store'' locations were previously known as ''Toyota Public Store'' then renamed in 1966 as ''Toyota Corolla Store''.

The initial trim levels offered were ET (1.4L 4-speed), LT, ST (1.6L 4-speed, 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic) and GT (1.6L 5-speed) with GTV added in 1972. For export markets the Celica was available in three different trim levels; the LT, ST and GT.

At its introduction the Celica was only available as a pillarless [[hardtop]] [[notchback]] [[coupé]], adopting "[[coke bottle styling]]". The prototype [[Toyota SV-1|SV-1]] ''Liftback'' was shown as a concept car at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#1971|1971 Tokyo Motor Show]] and with slight modifications this was introduced in Japan in April 1973 as the 2-liter RA25 (18R engine family) and the 1.6-liter TA27 (2T engine family). Model grades were ST and GT.

The ''Liftback'' model was then exported to many Asian countries and Europe in [[Left- and right-hand traffic|RHD]] form as the RA28 or TA28 with either a 18R 2.0-liter or 1.6-liter 2T-B engine. After the October 1975 facelift it was available in both RHD and [[Left- and right-hand traffic|LHD]] forms in other markets. The [[Toyota RV-1|RV-1]] "concept" wagon was also shown at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show but it did not reach production.

[[File:1970 Toyota Celica 02.jpg|thumb|left|Toyota Celica coupé 1600 GT (TA22, Japan)]]

The [[Japanese domestic market]] GT models had various differences from the ET, LT and ST including the [[Hood (vehicle)|hood]] flutes, power windows, air conditioning and specific GT trim but shared a few things with the ST—a full-length center console and oil pressure/ammeter gauges—while the LT had warning lights for these functions. With the exception of the American market, the GT had a 1588 cc 2T-G twincam engine or a 1968&nbsp;cc 18R-G, which not available on the ET, LT or ST and always had 5-speed manual gearbox. Typically for the Japanese market GTs had 18R-G motors that were mated to a Porsche designed closer ratio P51 5 speed gearbox whereas export models had the W-50. For the American market only the GT had only a single cam engine (2000&nbsp;cc 18R or 2200&nbsp;cc 20R) with a choice of automatic or 4 speed manual gearboxes on early models then upgrading to the W-50 5 speed in 1974–1977.

There was also the GTV version which introduced in 1972 with slightly less luxurious interior than the GT to reduce weight. The GTV came with the same 2T-G engine, but with a thicker front sway bar & firmer suspension for better handling. Later in 1973 Japanese GTVs had a roof console "OK" monitor with a map light and a cluster of trouble indicators which detected blown brake bulbs, brake fluid level, main fuse & a floor console engine oil temperature gauge.

The first-generation Celicas can be further broken down into two distinctive models. The first of these was the original with slant nose (trapezoid-like shape front corner light). This is for coupe model only, TA22, RA20, RA21 & RA22. These models were produced from 1970 to 1975 and came equipped with the 2T, 2T-G 1.6 liter, or 18R 2.0 liter motor. They had a {{convert|95|in}} wheelbase.

The second series had a flat nose (square front corner light) and slightly longer wheelbase ({{convert|98|in|mm|abbr=on|disp=or}} wheelbase). This facelift model appeared in Japan in 1974 but for export was the 1975 model year being TA23, RA23, RA24, RA25, RA28, TA28 & RA29. The Japanese version had engines under 2.0 liters so as to conform to [[Vehicle size class#Japan|Japanese regulations]] concerning engine displacement size, thereby allowing buyers to avoid an additional tax for a larger engine. Japanese buyers did pay a higher annual [[Road tax#Japan|road tax]] for engines over 1.5 liters while staying under the 2.0 liter threshold.

In some markets, the lower-end LT was equipped with the single [[carbureted]] four-cylinder 2T engine displacing 1600 cc, while the ST came with a twin [[Solex Carburetor|Solex]] downdraft carburetor 2T-B engine. The 2T-G that powered the high-end GT / GTV model was a [[DOHC]] 1600 cc engine equipped with twin Mikuni-Solex Carburetors.

The first Celica for North America, 1971 ST was powered by 1.9 liter 8R [[internal combustion engine|engine]] delivering {{convert|108|hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|117|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} . The 1972–1974 models have 2.0 liter 18R-C engines with {{convert|97|hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|106|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. For 1975–77, the engine for the North American Celica is the 2.2 liter 20R with {{convert|96|hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|122|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. The Celica GT and LT models were introduced in the US for the 1974 model year. The top-line GT included a 5-speed W-50 [[manual transmission]], rocker panel GT stripes and styled steel wheels with chrome trim rings. The LT was marketed as an economy model. 1974 saw minor changes in the Celica's trim and badges and slightly different wheel arches, the earlier 1971–73 arches commonly referred to as thin lipped and the later 1974–77 as flat lipped.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The North American Celica was equipped with federally mandated safety equipment such as an energy-absorbing steering column and seat belts. These were optional in some overseas markets.<ref name="Safety">{{cite book |url=https://www.veikl.com/d/Toyota-Celica-Brochure-1974-EN-47704 |title=Celica − Sporty but civilised |publisher=Toyota |location=Japan |date=1974-01-01 |access-date=2022-01-18 |archive-date=2022-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118041012/https://www.veikl.com/d/Toyota-Celica-Brochure-1974-EN-47704 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The A40 automatic transmission became an option on North American ST and LT models starting in the 1973 model year. For 1975 the 1974 body was used and sturdier chrome and black rubber bumper bars with horizontally mounted shock absorber mounts (Volvo style) replaced the chrome bumpers used in the earlier cars (in accordance with US Federal bumper laws) mandating impacts without minor damage at {{Convert|5|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Billion">{{Cite journal| url=https://reason.com/1978/03/01/billion-dollar-bumpers/| first = Jack | last = Solomon | title = Billion Dollar Bumpers| journal = Reason| date =  March 1978}}</ref> Unfortunately the early 8R and 18R series engines proved to be less than durable, with early failures common. The 1974 18R-C engine's durability was improved somewhat, but the 20R introduced for 1975 proved to be a better engine in most respects.

=== 1972 update ===
In August 1972 the Celica's tail lights were updated from one-piece tail lights (affectionately called one-tail or flat lights) to tail lights with distinctive raised brake & turn signal "bubble" lenses. The rear center panel was also redesigned as the fuel tank was moved from the trunk bottom to behind the rear seats and the fuel filler was moved from a concealed location between the tail lights to the left "C" pillar. Other changes included changes to the front and rear badges, the relocation of the towing hooks, changes to the color of the wing mirrors (on cars equipped with sports type mirrors) and changes to the centre console on ST and GT models.<ref name=Fenech>{{cite web |url=https://www.yumpu.com/la/document/read/5166287/the-first-generation-celica-retro-japanese-club |title=The first generation Celica |first=Joel |last=Fenech |access-date=2020-05-12 |via=Yumpu}}{{Self-published source|date=August 2020}}</ref>

=== 1974 update ===
In 1974, for the 1975 model year, the North American spec Celica retained the earlier body but received federally mandated 5&nbsp;mph bumpers front and rear. Body-color urethane panels filled in the spaces previously occupied by the smaller chrome bumpers. This style of bumpers were used in North America until the end of this generation in 1977. Japan also used these bumpers for the Liftback GT, but not lesser grades or the coupe, from 1976 to 1977.

Other changes done during the 1974 model year included the introduction of flared wheel arches, another change in the style of the badges and the introduction of a new style of rear quarter vents. For the Japanese market, the cars also featured a different front end treatment with the introduction of a flat front section (similar to, but not interchangeable with later model Celica,).<ref name=Fenech />

=== 1976 update ===
1976 brought the largest update to the model. The wheelbase of the car was increased and the car featured various difference both externally and internally. Externally the most noticeable difference is the flat front end (similar to earlier [[Japanese domestic market|JDM models]]), the elimination of the removable hood vents (replaced by vents formed in the hood pressing) and the single cowl vent which replaced the twin vents on earlier models. Internally the cars also feature a different dash, seats and carpets. The liftback version also included these changes.<ref name=Fenech />

=== Liftback ===
[[File:1973 Toyota Celica 01.jpg|thumb|left|1973 Toyota Celica Liftback 2000 GT (RA25, Japan)]]
[[File:1973 Toyota Celica 02.jpg|thumb|right|1973 Toyota Celica Liftback 2000 GT (RA25, Japan)]]

The [[fastback]]-styled [[hatchback]], called the ''[[Liftback]]'' by Toyota, was introduced for the Japanese market in April 1973 but not until July 1974 for export models.<ref name="Automobile"/><ref name="Newsday">{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/in-the-garage-1977-toyota-celica-gt-1.4815567|title=In the Garage: 1977 Toyota Celica GT|date=2013-03-15|publisher=Newsday|first=David|last=Fluhrer|access-date=2020-09-07|archive-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124161221/https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/in-the-garage-1977-toyota-celica-gt-1.4815567|url-status=live}}</ref> Models for the [[Japanese domestic market]] Liftback were the 1600 ST, 1600 GT (TA27), 2000 ST, and 2000 GT (RA25 and RA28). The North American liftback (RA29) was only offered with a 2.2-liter 20R engine for the 1976 and 1977 model year. All the liftback models have flat noses. Although there is no "B" pillar in the Liftback, the rear quarter windows are fixed in place and do not roll down (as they do in the hardtop coupe).

The Liftback was often called the ''Japanese Mustang'' or the ''Mustang Celica''.<ref name="Newsday"/> The liftback styling was largely inspired by the 1969 [[Ford Mustang]] fastback, including C-pillar louvers and the vertical bar tail lights that are a signature Mustang styling cue and pay overall homages to the muscle-car era.<ref>{{cite web |last=Joseph |first=Jacob |date= 2015-09-23 |url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/toyota/1970-toyota-celica/ |title=1970 – 1977 Toyota Celica |publisher=TopSpeed |access-date= 2016-07-10 }}</ref><ref name="Automobile"/>

=== Facelift export models ===
From its 1971 introduction in North America until the 1973 model year, the Celica retained its original styling and trim, and was sold only in ST trim. The tri-color taillights with the "bubble" style arrived for 1973, and continued into early 1974. Mid-1974, the trim was slightly revised. The original ''Celica'' quarter panel script was changed to a bold block-letter font, the "C" pillar trim was restyled with a more modern look, and GT logos switched to a bold serif font.  The GT was the first American Celica to include a 5-speed overdrive transmission as standard, along with an FM/AM radio, leather-wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel, GT rocker panel stripes, styled steel wheels with bright trim rings, and 70-series radial tires. 1974 saw the introduction of the LT to North America. It was similarly equipped as the ST and lasted through the 1975 model year.

For the 1975 model year, U.S. spec Celicas retained the 1974 body but received federally mandated 5-mph bumpers front and rear. Body-color urethane panels filled in the cutouts previously occupied by the smaller chrome bumpers.

In October 1975, the entire Celica lineup was given a facelift with a revised front bumper and grille. The new model codes for facelift hardtop coupe were RA23 for the general worldwide market with an 18R engine or RA24 for America with a 20R engine. The Liftbacks were coded RA28 and TA28 (global markets) or RA29 for the US. Also available was the TA23, which was similar to the RA23 but with the 2T engine and the TA28 offered with the 2T-B. The ''Toyota Celica Liftback GT'' won [[Motor Trend Car of the Year]] (Imported Vehicle) in 1976.

The Celica RA23, TA23, RA28, and TA28 had a more distinctive bulged hood which was lacking in the TA22 or RA20/21 coupé and in the TA27 and RA25 Liftback but was factory in 1975 on the North American RA22 Celica to accommodate the larger 20R motor. The TA22 Celica also had removable vents mounted in the hood which the RA23 and RA28 lacked, while the TA27 and RA25 models had three raised fluted vents inset into the hood. The RA series also had an elongated nose to accommodate the larger engine. The hood vents, fuel filler cap and interior options were also different between the TA and RA series across the model range.  The 1976-77 North American Celicas lost their ammeter and oil pressure gauges; they were replaced by warning lamps in the gauge cluster.

Up until 1976, U.S. Celicas got either wheel covers (ST, LT) or styled steel wheels with trim rings (GT) in the 13-inch size. Starting in 1976, all Celicas got 14-inch styled steel wheels, with trim rings (GT) or without them (ST and LT).

For 1976–1977, the non-U.S. GT Liftback was also available with the 18R-G twincam engine with a Yamaha head and running gear. This engine produced significantly more power than the single-cam 18R. Peak power was about {{convert|100|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6000&nbsp;rpm.

In Australia, the 1971 TA22 Celica was first released with the 1.6-liter 2T motor, as well as the TA23 in the mid-1975 and the RA23 in 1976 with only 2000 1977 RA28s being imported, all with the 2.0-liter 18R-C motor. The only two GTs ever imported by the AMI ([[Australian Motor Industries]]) which later became Toyota Australia, were a 1971 red TA22 GT and a brown 1973 RA25 GT. These vehicles were a special import by Ken Hougham the managing director of AMI for evaluation. Just like the TA22 GT, the RA25 GT model was never imported due to the power to weight ratio and higher insurance for the twin-cam motor all of which quickly halted any notion of the GTs becoming a staple in the Celica family in Australia. 

<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:1st Toyota Celica GT -- 11-18-2010.jpg|1976 Toyota Celica coupé GT (RA24, US). Note the enlarged bumpers, required by US federal law.
File:1976-1977 Toyota Celica (RA23) LT hardtop 02.jpg|1976–1977 Toyota Celica Hardtop coupé 2000 LT (RA23, Australia)
File:Toyota Celica ST liftback ca 1976.JPG|1976 Toyota Celica Liftback 2000 ST (RA28, UK)
File:1971 Red Toyota Celica GT at Motorclassica 2019 (Australia).jpg|1971 red Toyota Celica GT, a show winner at the Australian Motorclassica Concours d’elegance, and a facelift silver LT.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://motorclassica.com.au/features/concours-delegance/australian-international-concours-d-elegance-2019-winners/ |title=Australian International Concours d'Elegance 2019 Winners {{!}} Motorclassica 2019 |location=Australia |year=2019 |access-date=2019-11-05 |archive-date=2019-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105104503/https://motorclassica.com.au/features/concours-delegance/australian-international-concours-d-elegance-2019-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
File:1977 Toyota Celica GT liftback US-spec rear, Chelsea 5.18.19.jpg|1977 Toyota Celica Liftback 2200 GT (RA29, US). Note the enlarged bumpers, required by US federal law.
File:1977 Toyota Celica Liftback GT in silver, dashboard.jpg|1977 Toyota Celica Liftback GT interior
</gallery>