Toyota made 411,815 first-generation Celicas. It was a huge hit. You sure don’t see many around but, then again, it is more than 50 years old. Toyota sold 83,775 Scion FR-S/86 in the US and Canada during the car’s entire lifespan, 135,917 if you include the Subaru BRZ for both markets. We can’t find global sales numbers, but North America was its largest market, so total figures will fall a couple hundred thousand short of the Celica’s. We wonder how many of those will still be on the roads by the time it turns 50. Something to think about as we celebrate Toyota’s original sport coupe. Happy TA22 Day from JNC!
I sat in a brand new one at the local Toyota dealer back when I was an undergrad, it was blue with a white interior. It was the first time I had ever been in a car that had a 5 speed transmission. That was pretty exotic back then, and put you in company with Alfa Romeos and Ferraris. Ah memories… To this day I still like the first gen Celica the best.
My first Celica was a 1973 TA22….blue with white interior. At that time, it cost just over A$3200 here in Australia. I still have the original brochure for it.
Since then, I have owned 17 Celicas of various models…my personal favourite model was the 1986 – 1989 ST162 twin-cam. Great cars, and we still see the occasional restored one on the street, or in car shows.
My first new car, 1977 Celica GT coupe. Red with black interior and 5 spd. Cost was just under $5000.
I bought my first Celica, a Blue with White interior TA22, here in Australia in 1973. It cost just over A$3200 at that time. Overall, I have had the pleasure of owning 17 Celicas of various models…..the best, in my opinion, being the front-wheel-drive ST162 Twin Cam models.
Great cars, and still great today, when you occasionally see a restored one on the road, or in a show somewhere.
Sleeka.
Happy Celica Day!
Let’s include the RA21s too. Just a day late. Bought a 1972 Celica NEW at my local dealership for $2847 in December 1972. I was a junior in high school. A 50th birthday is in store for it this July – production date. YES, still have the car! Altair green metallic with black interior. Loved it then; love it now. Only ventures out when skies are sunny and blue. :o) So many great memories.
vic,
Congratulations on still having the car!
I only have my original sales receipt and the plastic Toyota warranty card.
I only Have metallic old,big Japanese miniatyre 1st gen Celica..22years ago at auction..now its reminding still if could own 1:1 size Ta22..
I’m sorry, I only celebrate RA21 day, how dare you