Some cars from the 1970s have become hot commodities, others have trended thanks to Millennial and Generation Z buyers, while others have fallen into oblivion. The 1971 Toyota Celica is not yet a collector’s item, and it is highly doubtful it will ever get the coveted status. However, this doesn’t mean that this 1970s gem is not getting the recognition it deserves. In fact, the recent revival of 1970s trends has brought the Celica back into the spotlight.
With that being said, the Star Wars-mania also helped, as back in 1977 a promotional Star Wars-themed Celica, with movie scenes on its body, was created. Since then, various other Hollywood productions, movies and sitcoms have featured the 1971 Celica and its successors.
Without a doubt, the eccentric look and minimalist interior are more appealing today than they were back in the 1970s. Not only that, but the sudden boost in popularity that Toyota cars have experienced in the past decade is also sustained by the fact that Japanese cars are more popular today than they were four decades ago. Toyota’s public image has changed since the 1970s.
If today’s consumers associate Toyota with reliability, high-quality and striking design, this wasn’t necessarily true in the past; thus, a 1971 Toyota Celica is more desirable today than at its release. However, apart from the evolving car culture, the Celica has other things working in its favor right now. To that end, these are the reasons why we love the 1971 Celica.
The 1971 Toyota Celica Has An Unbeatable Generation X Appeal
Time and time again, marketers have skillfully revived various brands and products from the 1980s and 1990s to appeal to the sensibilities of Millennials and Gen. Z consumers. In most cases, the revival phenomenon has ignored the interests and behaviors of Generation X and the retro products that could engage them.
As a relatively well-off generation that has an average net worth of around $288,700 (vs. $76,200, the average net worth of Millennials), the Xers represent a powerful motor of consumption. And although they aren’t as “loud” and “engaged” as Millennial consumers, Xers have imposed their shopping preferences on the world. Brands, products and companies that were made popular during the 1970s and early 1980s are having a comeback now thanks to them. Think of movies like the Star Wars original trilogy (Star Wars: A New Hope was released in 1977) or Charlie's Angels, brands like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent, and car models like the 1970 Stutz Blackhawk and the 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V.
Considering the market power of Generation X and the incredible appeal of the 1970s, it is understandable why some car aficionados believe that a memorable automobile like the 1971 Toyota Celica has its best days ahead.
The 1971 Toyota Celica Showcases Some Of The Best Qualities Of Japanese Automobiles
Without a doubt, the 1971 Toyota Celica represents a “transition” car, being stuck somewhere in time, between the poor reputation that these automobiles initially enjoyed in the United States and the excellent one they have today. This means that the 1971 Celica creates the image of Toyota as a stylish, reliable and efficient car brand. Naturally, it didn’t hurt that the design was surprisingly American-looking too.
When the first Toyota Celica was introduced in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show, many fans remarked that the Japanese car manufacturer was positioning it on the global market as a rival to Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Not surprisingly, right from the get-go, Toyota wanted to target American consumers by offering them unique features like reclining seats, a plush interior and sporty look, all at a very reasonable price. Design clues and luxury trims apart, the four-cylinder engine options that powered the 1971 Celica were also a sign that Japan was eyeing the U.S. market with this car.
The 1971 Toyota Celica: A Reasonably Priced Sporty Car
Drivers who dream of a rally racing career will love this sport coupe and its racing heritage. In 1972, the Celica participated in the World Rally Championship and even came in ninth. After then, the Celica took part in additional rallies.
Naturally, the lightweight design of the car worked in Celica’s favor because it made the car faster and more agile. However, it is worth noting that Toyota Celica looked faster than what it really was. Even today, the Celica creates a good first impression, although drivers discover quickly that Toyota’s rivals deliver superior performance.
As for the interior cabin, this was comfortable and well-equipped. Drivers and passengers had enough room despite the limited measurements of the car. Celica was only 153 inches long and 59 inches wide, with a 90-inch wheelbase, but the cabin provided a comfortable space even for taller passengers.