13 Feb A work in progress | 77 Toyota Celica Liftback
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Creemore Valley Classics VIP Stories #13
I bought my first Celica in 1975 when I was 21 years old. It was a ‘72 coupe and I drove it until the fall of ‘76. One day, we were shopping in Bayfield Mall when I saw a beautiful black ‘77 Celica on show from Jackson Motors Barrie. I phoned them the next day and drove down from Orillia to trade in the ‘72 for the black liftback. I kept it till the mid-eighties when it finally refused to go after ten years of faithful service. I loved that car!
About eight years ago I found photos of a very well maintained ‘77 liftback in Texas that I bought without ever seeing in person. It was a bright orange, and I drove it like that for a few years but eventually the yearning for my old black beauty drove me to have it refinished in black. I am so happy I did this as it looks so much better in this colour and really makes it feel like the original.
The car is always a work in progress and I’ve made many period improvements including Weber sidedraught carbs, Ansa free flow exhaust (new old stock), Mij Upsilon wheels (NOS) and numerous other upgrades.
We have received many appreciated comments on the vehicle, as the car is extremely rare and younger people are often shocked at the age of it. “That’s a Toyota???”
Neil Reid – Orillia, ON
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