It's something we don't see enough of these days - a car enthusiast whose adopted a forgotten classic and preceded to give it a completely new lease on life. "Too hard, too expensive" we hear you say, "why would you go through all that bother when you can buy a late-model car that offers as-good (or better) performance for similar money? Well, you're right - and wrong...
Nick Danger knows the pleasure that comes from driving a born-again classic with modern technology under the lid. And no, "classic" isn't an overboard description of the RA23 Toyota Celica. You see, prior to the Silly-Car, coupes were crazily expensive - certainly an indulgence out of reach for the average person. Then along came the four-pot Toyota Celica. With a modest pricetag and looks that put it on a pedestal, it was inevitable the little coupe was going to be a hit; so much so the Celica name lives on in the current Toyota line-up. Even by today's standards, the RA23's flowing, unspoilt lines look quite sexy - a far cry from some of the fussy lines that were typical of '70s Japanese cars...
It's been some thirty years since the RA23 was conceived, however, and most examples are either rusted out or have been written off by a learner driver. While its fallen brothers and sisters lay rotten in wrecking yards, this particular '76 RA23 has been spectacularly reborn. The previous owner rescued it from the crusher and transformed it into one of the cleanest streeters around Sydney. It now struts around showing off a mega buck paint job and a luxury car grade interior - oh, and there are few trick bits hidden beneath those panels as well...
The stockie 1500cc motor was something of a lost cause; even endowed with a pair of performance carbies, extractors and a hot cam the standard Celica lump would've been nothing more than a snack for any decent modern, twin-cam vehicle. Thankfully, the Celica can relatively easily be awoken with the fitment of a 3T-GTE Japanese import engine - as seen here. Many readers will be unfamiliar with the 3T-GTE - it's a 1980s 1.8-litre, DOHC, 8-valve, twin-plug turbo that came fitted to Japanese market Celica GT. Standard power is 160 horses - but who cares what standard output is?
A low kilometre 3T-GTE made its way into the nose of Nick's RA23 and has been enhanced with a 2 1/2-inch straight through exhaust system, GFB blow-off valve, 'high-flowed' Toyota airbox and a pneumatic boost controller allowing up to 14 psi. Nick has recently replaced the standard CT20 turbo with a high-flow CT26 turbocharger as well - you can never have too much turbo! Interestingly, the whole shooting match was made to run using the factory 3T-GTE ECU and airflow meter; an amazing feat in itself! No need for an expensive aftermarket ECU.
Driving through a W58 Supra 5-speed gearbox, Nick's sexy little machine has recently punched out a highly impressive 162kW at the back wheels - and that's without an intercooler! Given the Celica's sub-1000kg curb mass and rear-wheel-drive traction it's no surprise to hear Nick gets a lot of enjoyment out of the ripper little package. There's no need to squirm whenever something beefy pulls up alongside at the lights.
And the rework didn't end with the driveline.
The Celica's coil sprung trailing arm live axle rear and MacPherson strut front suspension was rebuilt with Koni Yellow dampers front and rear, Whiteline swaybars and 2-inch lower heavy-duty springs. Front brakes were also upgraded to 1977 RA28 discs and calipers, while the opposite end uses standard drums.
The previous owner also restored the bodywork and gave it a proper smooth-over. Once the panels had been meticulously prepared, a significant number of coats of Barbados Green were applied; it's a brilliant colour that shows off the Celica's curves but attracts plenty of attention in its own right. It should be a pretty good paint job too for a cool $7000!
Filling the guards are classy Simmons F4 17s wearing 215/40 GT Radials - not surprisingly, these required the front and rear guards to be lipped.
We can only hazard a guess how gnarly and worn the original Celica interior would have become after thirty years of use. The scene is very much different these days, however, with a full top-notch leather trim. "It's an imported leather from Germany" explains Nick, "I think it's called Tuscan Coffee or something dodgy like that..." There's also a fairly comprehensive sound system for Nick to kick back to - a Panasonic MP3 head unit wired to an Alpine 4-channel V12 amp, 12-inch Soundstream sub, Alpine 6-inch front splits and rear 6 x 9s. And the steering wheel? The bus-like original has been forgotten and replaced by a slick Momo job.
Having had the pleasure of owning this beauty for about six months, Nick hasn't needed to do much to maintain a top-notch appearance - "just a bit of tidying up". Much of the chrome work - the bumpers, grille and side trims - was replaced with brand new genuine Toyota parts. "I spent $2700 on the chrome alone" confesses Nick. He has also added a GT billet exterior mirror and replaced much of the plastic grille pieces with brand new OE parts; any second-hand bits-and-pieces are going to be fairly rough given the age of the vehicle. Nick is also responsible for the new under-bonnet braided lines, triple-core radiator with electric fans, a rebuilt gearbox and a welded diff "to give it strength".
Unfortunately, the end of the road is approaching for both Nick and his Celica. You see, when his company car got pulled from under him, he's been forced to use the Celica as a peak-hour conveyance - and the thought of being sideswiped by Sally Stupid makes Nick cringe. It only takes a moment to put a scrape down the side of the car, ruining a $7000 paint job. Such worries can make a person pull their hair out so, with much regret, Nick sees no option but to sell the car. He expects to net about $14,000 for it and use that money to build up a tough Subaru Liberty - something that can be used everyday. "The plan is to buy an atmo AWD Liberty, drop in a '96 Legacy RS engine and fit a front-mount intercooler and big turbo. I've already bought a half-cut, I just need the car to put it in!"
While Nick will be moving from a classic streetcar to something more modern, it's sure as hell not by choice; "I'd do almost anything to keep the Celica, but I just can't", he says looking forlornly to the ground. One thing's for sure though, this Celica has plenty of good years left in it!
|