Shifterati

2nd gen Toyota Celica 1978–1981

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

A Calty-styled coupe and liftback with a 2.2L, then a 2.4L, four, and a few short-run editions; the six-cylinder Celica Supra joined it in 1979.

What it came with

2.2L four (20R)^1,2,3

96 hp · 1978–1980
2.4L four (22R)^1,4

97 hp, the engine of the Toyota pickup · 1981

Transmissions: 5-speed manual², Automatic^3,1
Drivetrains: Rear-wheel drive²
Trims: ST^3,1, GT^3,1
Packages: Liftback body^1,3, US Grand Prix GT Liftback (1980)¹, GTA 10th Anniversary (1981)¹, Griffith Sunchaser (1979–1981)¹

Model codes: RA42 for the US GT liftback, by Wikipedia¹
Design: Styled at Calty, Toyota's design studio in California⁴
Celica Supra: A longer, six-cylinder Celica Supra was sold beside it from 1979^1,3
Awards: Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1978¹
Sold: About 155,000 a year in the US from 1978 to 1981, by Curbside Classic³

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

Rare US Grand Prix GT Liftback Package
A limited edition for 1980¹
Rare GTA 10th Anniversary Package
The Celica's 10th anniversary edition, for 1981 only¹
Rare Griffith Sunchaser Package
Over 2,000 converted, by Wikipedia¹

Year by year

1978 New generation, as a coupe or a GT liftback, with the 2.2L four.^1,5
1979 No changes recorded.
1980 A mild refresh with square headlights, a new grille and hood, and revised tail lights; the US Grand Prix GT Liftback is offered.^3,1
1981 A 2.4L four replaces the 2.2L, and the GTA marks ten years of the Celica.^1,4

Sources