1st gen Toyota Celica 1971–1977

What it came with

• 1.9L four (8R)^1,2

  108 hp · 1971

• 2.0L four (18R-C)^1,3

  97 hp · 1972–1974

• 2.2L four (20R)^1,2,3

  96 hp · 1975–1977

Transmissions

4-speed manual^1,2, 5-speed manual (W50) (1974–1977)^1,2, Automatic (1973–1977)^1,2

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive³

Trims

ST¹, LT (1974–1975)¹, GT (1974–1977)^1,2

Packages

Liftback body (1976–1977)^1,2

• Model codes: RA29 for the US liftback, by Wikipedia¹
• Suspension and brakes: MacPherson struts in front, a live rear axle, front discs and rear drums²
• Awards: Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1974 and 1976²
• Sold: 17,750 in the US in 1971, rising to 163,000 in 1977, by Collector Car Market²

Year by year

• 1971 The first Celica sold in North America, an ST coupe with a 1.9L four and a 4-speed.^1,2
• 1972 A 2.0L four replaces the 1.9L; the fuel tank moves behind the rear seats.¹
• 1973 Three-colour tail lights replace the one-piece lights, and an automatic becomes optional.^1,2
• 1974 The LT and the GT arrive, the GT with a 5-speed and tighter suspension, and flared wheel arches.^1,2
• 1975 A 2.2L four becomes standard, with 5-mph bumpers, larger wheel flares and a hood bulge.^1,2
• 1976 The car is stretched and widened, with a new dash and 14-inch wheels, and a liftback joins the coupe.^1,2
• 1977 The last year of the 1st gen.^2,4