1980 Toyota Celica GT Lift back USGP Special Edition
Chassis No. RA42628196
The 1980 Toyota Celica USGP (United States Grand Prix) was a one-year only model produced to commemorate Toyota's association with Grand Prix racing in the United States. Toyota had been actively involved in Grand Prix racing as the Official Pace Car of the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1975, and the Toyota Grand Prix of the United States at Watkins Glen since 1977. It came in Red, White and Blue, and believed that only 200 were produced of each color.
This $750.00 option was offered only in 1980 and included the following:
Exterior:
• A special honeycomb grill
• Flat Black B pillars
• Special “Grand Prix” two-color side stripes
• Mud guards
• Aluminum alloy wheels and 185/70 HR14 steel-belted radial ply
tires raised white letters
Interior:
• Ivory vinyl seats with black piping
• Ivory colored headliner and door panels
• Black leather wrapped steering wheel
• A high performance sound system, which featured electronic AM/FM
tuner, cassette deck, equalizer/amplifier and four speakers
• A USGP dash plaque.
The 90hp, 2.2 liter 4-cylinder SOHC engine delivered smooth yet
powerful acceleration to a 5-speed overdrive transmission.
Offered here is an exceptionally well preserved example of Toyota's
special edition Celica. Completed in May 1980, this particular GT
was purchased new from Jim White Toyota of Toledo, Ohio on July 3,
1980 by Mr. B. Edwards, whom later moved to Tennessee with the
vehicle. In 2012, it changed hands to only its second caretaker, a
proficient automobile collector in San Francisco, California who
has an affinity with rare 60'-80's automobiles. It remains in
remarkable original condition, displaying just 37,700 original
miles with cosmetics on par to a much lower mile car. All factory
lenses, trim, upholstery, glass, decals and plaques remain fitted
and largely original paint (only paint work we found was on a small
section of the passenger side fender and door. Both engine bay and
undercarriage display the same level of presentation. Corrosion
protection was applied to entire vehicle from new (tan coating seen
in several of the photos). In recent years, the Celica received a
complete mechanical tune-up and suspension freshening front and
rear with new bushings, rubbers, tie rods, hardware, shocks and
paint. Drivability and performance is excellent with all
electronics in proper working order, including the
“state-of-the-art” Toyota Dolby stereo system. Its Michelin tires
are date coded 2011 and are still very supple with 95%+ tread
remaining – mounted to near-flawless original alloy wheels. One of
the most impressive features is the pristine and nicely detailed
undercarriage and engine compartment. The engine is very strong and
has compression of 165-175 PSI, driving the car is really
enjoyable. This is a car that has truly been well cared for and
maintained all of its life by two fastidious collectors and
probably the only one of its kind that has survived in such
pampered and persevered condition.
Original Owner's Manual, Owner's Guide, space saver spare, jack and tire iron in sleeve accompanies the car – as well as an original USGP Celica sales brochure and period advertisement. This time capsule Celica is surely one of the finest examples in existence for continued preservation and enjoyment.
Any questions welcome.
Please message or call Frank Sajjad at 2166452100.
(We can help to make arrangements for worldwide shipping.)
Shipping cost to Rotterdam or Felixstowe, UK is $1,500
