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Toyota Celica (2nd gen) A40/A50 1977-1981
The Toyota Celica (Japanese: トヨタ セリカ) /ˈsɛlɪkə/ or /sɛˈliːkə/ is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 to 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial". In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to the Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain.
Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four-cylinder engines, and bodystyles included convertibles and liftback or notchback coupés. The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota's R series engine. In August 1985, the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were offered from 1986 to 1999. Variable valve timing came in certain Japanese models starting from December 1997 and became standard in all models from the 2000 model year. Celica variants were spun off as separate models, notably the Celica Supra (later Toyota Supra).
Celica: The name is derived from the Spanish word for "heavenly" or "celestial". A stylised dragon forms the Celica symbol. Kiichiro Toyoda was supposed to be a big fan of dragon boat racing. Celica is also a North European name meaning heavenly (celestrial).
[B]Second generation (A40, A50; 1977–1981)[/B]
The second-generation Celica was released for the 1978 model year (production began in late 1977) and was again available in both coupé and liftback forms. It was designed in the United States by Toyota's Calty Research Design studio in California. The coupe was no longer a true hardtop; both coupé and liftback had frameless door glass but featured a thick "B" pillar. David Stollery was responsible for its design.
From 1979 to 1981 the Griffith company in the US offered a Targa-style convertible conversion to the coupé. They were called the SunChaser and had a removable Targa top and a folding rear roof, much like the '67 Porsche 911 soft-window Targa. These were Toyota approved and sold through Toyota dealers. Over 2000 were produced. In Germany, the same SunChaser version but also a full convertible and a traditional targa with a fixed rear window (called the TX22) were offered. Conversions were Toyota-approved and carried out from mid-1980 by a company called Tropic.
The second-generation Celica can also be broken down into two series of release (known as Series A and Series B). These two Celicas were only distinguishable by appearance – both having the same engine capacity. The original Series A Celica (1978–1979) was released with round headlights and chrome bumpers for lower grades. The higher grades such as GT and all US models have black rubber bumpers. The facelift model Series B Celica (1979–1981) was released with square headlights, revised tail lights. They came with chrome bumpers with rubber protectors on each corners, or for certain models with all polyurethane black bumpers such on the GT and all US spec cars.
There were about 70 different variants of second-generation Celica sold in Japan over the model's lifetime. At its pinnacle in 1979, Toyota retailed 49 versions at once.
[B]Markets[/B]
Power for North American models was provided by a 2.2 L 20R engine for both ST and GT models. Japan and other markets had 1.6-, 1.8-, and 2.0-liter power plants. This new generation offered more safety, power and fuel economy than previous models and was awarded Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" for 1978. Japanese models were ET, LT, ST, SE, XT, GT, and GTV. The GT and GTV have an 18R-G twincam engine. In August 1978, the GTV was replaced by the GT-Rally, a limited edition model that had a 1.6-liter 2T-GEU or 2.0-liter 18R-GEU engine, special grill, special bumpers, black interior (against the norm of coloured interiors of the time) and was only available in white or lime green paint.
The limited edition "US Grand Prix" GT liftback was offered in 1980 due to Toyota's connection to the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach, California. For 1981, the North American models were given a bigger engine, the 2.4-liter 22R which was simultaneously fitted to the Pickup. To celebrate the Celica 10th Anniversary, the GTA coupe was released. This was basically a GT coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission, Supra style interior, power windows, upgraded sound system and alloy wheels. The GTA is distinguishable by its copper brown / beige two-tone paint and a "GTA 10th anniversary" plaque on the center console.
In Australia, the new Celica was less sporty than earlier models. The only engine available was the 2-liter 18R, producing 66.4 kW (90 PS), hooked up to a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. The suspension was also quite soft and the recirculating ball steering came in for some criticism for its vagueness. Both the coupé and the liftback bodywork were available in Australia.
[B][URL="https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?45740-Toyota-Celica-Supra-(Mark-I)-1978-1981&highlight=celica"]Celica XX/Celica Supra[/URL][/B]
In 1978 Toyota began production of the Mark I Toyota Supra in Japan, as the Toyota Celica XX. The year it debuted in the United States and Japan was in 1979. The US Mark I (chassis code MA46) was originally equipped with a 110 hp (82 kW) 2.6 L (2563 cc) 12-valve SOHC inline-6 engine (4M-E). Simultaneously in 1979, the Japanese Mark I (chassis code MA45) was offered with a 110 hp (82 kW) 2.0 L 12-valve SOHC inline-6 engine (M-EU).
[B][URL="https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?50359-Toyota-Celica-Camry-(A50)-1980-1981"]Celica Camry[/URL][/B]
Toyota launched the Celica Camry, a four-door sedan, in the Japanese market during January 1980. This model was essentially a second-generation 1977–1981 Toyota Carina (A40 and A50) with an elongated front-end styled to resemble the 1978–1981 Celica XX, known as the Celica Supra in export markets. Unlike other Celicas, this Carina-derived model is a four-door sedan rather than a coupe or liftback. Toyota replaced the Celica Camry upon the arrival of the front-wheel drive Toyota Camry (V10) in 1982.
[SIZE=1]Source: Wikipedia[/SIZE]
