HomePick of the DayPick of the Day: 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S

Pick of the Day: 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S

A custom Celica with a 22R-TE turbo engine

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The good thing about the collector car world is that you can do what you want with your vehicle. You can keep it all original. Modify it slightly or go full restomod. Whatever you choose is cool because it’s your project.

My tastes lean towards upgrading parts for modern safety and convenience. I live in Phoenix and air conditioning is a must seven months a year, disc brakes are a good way to go for safety, and I like an updated suspension for comfort. Performance upgrades are a must, or at least louder exhaust.

I know fellow members of our car community prefer highly original vehicles, and I respect that, but it’s not for me. Swapping an engine into a vintage car can raise some eyebrows or lead to vitriol in the comments section, but that is the car owner’s choice to make the change.

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S with a 22R-TE turbo engine donated from another vehicle. This modified Toyota is available for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

“Previous owner was a professional mechanic and Toyota enthusiast– he was meticulous in making this swap look factory-correct,” the listing on ClassicCars.com states. “Motor came from his dad’s factory 1987 Toyota Turbo Pickup, Swap completed in 2011– Performance is equivalent to a stock MkII Supra! Driven 3,000 miles since 2011, Rebuilt Turbo, Air-to-Air Intercoller, New Brakes, Rotors, Wheel bearings, and Front struts in 2011.”

The listing advises that the 22R-TE SOHC EFI 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine produces 135bhp and 173 foot-pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission and a 3.90 rear differential complete the drivetrain. It features a four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

Besides the engine swap this Toyota is fairly original. The seller advises that the paint is 95% original, with some patina and minor touch ups. The original window sticker, owner’s manual and factory sales brochure are included with the sale.

The owner made this Celica a unique car and I absolutely dig that. Express yourself, make your car the one a manufacturer should have produced, and as always have fun with your project vehicle.

“This one of one Celica GT-S Turbo is the MkII GT-S that Toyota should have built… a turbo 4-cylinder alternative with the same suspension and brakes as the Supra,” the listing opines.

Looking at this Celica reminds me of my favorite line from the movie Easy Rider, “You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud.”

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

David P. Castro
David P. Castro
The Santa Rosa, California native is an experienced automotive and motorsports writer with a passion for American muscle cars. He is a credentialed automotive, NASCAR, and IndyCar reporter that graduated from the University of Nevada. A devoted F1 and NASCAR fan, he currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, son, Siberian Husky, Mini Cooper, and 1977 Chevrolet C10.

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