1981 TOYOTA CELICA 2000 GT

This Toyota Celica 2000 GT is a lesser-seen Japanese performance car, which has been upgraded to regularity rally specifications, and now makes for an exciting and eminently reliable trials entrant. Under the bonnet is a 105bhp 2.0-litre ‘18R’ inline-four, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The odometer shows 127,518 miles from new, though its mechanicals were fully rebuilt around 3,500 miles ago.

An original UK-market car first registered in August 1981, this Celica has just three previous keepers on the V5C. It was acquired by the vendor three years ago from a collector in Swansea, with the specific intention to have it rebuilt for the HERO LeJog (Land's End to John O'Groats) rally in 2018. The first two keepers on the log book were both from the same family.

When it was acquired in 2018, the car remained in its standard factory specification, and has been largely stored with very little use - the MOT history shows just 600 miles added between 2008 and 2018. As the current owner had completed several Wales Rally GB events, he was tempted by the prospect of HERO’s classic regularity rallies, and in particular the well-known LeJog trial. As a four-day non-stop event in midwinter, cars must prove themselves to be reliable and capable.

The Toyota was sent to a specialist rally preparation workshop, where the upgrades included: a handmade underbody sump guard, custom sports exhaust with increased bore, upgraded shock absorbers with an increase in the ride height, and an overhaul and enhancement of the brakes. Its lighting was also changed to be fully compliant, with new Toyota headlights and upgraded bulbs, plus additional spotlights. The original Toyota spots were blanked to meet regulations. It was fitted with Celica Supra (A60) wheels, plus two identical spare wheels, with all six shod in Mud & Snow rated tyres with reinforced sidewalls and higher load ratings.

Turning to the mechanicals, its original engine, twin Mikuni Solex carburettors, gearbox and differential were checked and rebuilt, including weather protection and with improved air flow. A full electrical overhaul was carried out, using several test setups to find the optimal layout, and it is still compliant with the regulations today. New alternators were also installed.

Inside, a bespoke half roll cage was fitted, and the seats and safety belts were changed for both comfort and safety. A smaller diameter steering wheel was added to provide a more direct feel, with changes to the horn placement and switches. The cabin was kitted out with a Monit G200 GPS rally computer and speed sensor, with a foot reset function and bulkhead antenna mount, plus specialist timing equipment - all at a cost of around £1,000. Finally, LED strip lights were installed for map plotting, along with navigator spotlights for on-the-move reading, and additional device charging points with a digital voltage meter.

Following the upgrade work, this Toyota Celica 2000 GT entered and completed the 2018 HERO Summer Challenge, the 2018 LeJog rally as planned, and also the 2019 Tour of Cheshire. With an entirely novice crew, the car finished third in class for the LeJog event (1975-1985, up to 2000cc), and was the third-placed amateur team overall - a testament to the car’s build and condition.

Today, the car presents in generally good order, with no known damage to the bodywork. The wheel arches have had some remedial attention, and accordingly the car has had some fresh paintwork in places. There are minor imperfections upon close inspection, and some visible rust on the lower doors, in the door shuts and around the boot aperture - but it is reported to be a fundamentally solid example, which is borne out by the online MOT history.

The interior is in very good order, with the retro style vinyl-trimmed bucket seats giving it a suitably racy appearance, and with the costly rally computers and meters showing its impressive technical setup. There is some wear around the Alcantara steering wheel rim, but the dashboard and door cards appear to be in excellent condition. All of the switchgear, measuring equipment, and lighting works as it should.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in February 2021 at 127,500 miles. This was a full service including fresh oil, coolant, and brake fluid, plus a complete rebuild of the front callipers by BCS Automotive after an MOT failure on that item in 2020. The spark plugs were also replaced, and the engine was tuned. The car is reported to be mechanically ‘on the button’ and running very well indeed; starting with the choke when cold, and not needing it when warm.

The car will be handed over to the next owner with a fresh 12-month MOT certificate for peace of mind. It previously failed a test on 24 June 2020 at 127,499 miles, based on binding of the nearside front brake, and accordingly a brake imbalance across the front axle - which has been rectified by the front calliper rebuild. Advisories were also noted for some corrosion on the fuel pipe and rear brake pipe.

The wheels are shod in Toyo H09 Mud & Snow tyres, ideal for endurance rallying, which have lots of tread left having covered only around 3,000 miles. Accompanying the car are original handbooks, and even an original sales brochure.

This Toyota Celica 2000 GT is a great classic rally car, professionally rebuilt to be a competitive entrant in regularity trials - and which has since proven itself on three notable events, including the famous LeJog run by HERO. The vendor states that the custom exhaust is a particular highlight, saying that it will pass noise tests, but also that it sounds incredible. Based on a cherished and highly original Celica, it now features a raft of upgrades and benefits from refurbished mechanicals, meaning that it should continue to provide many more miles of motoring enjoyment for its next owner, whether they choose to keep up its motorsport activities, or simply use it as an exciting road car.

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