I'm guessing this is a brochure printed in early '73 for the first generation Celica. There is a litho mark with a "72" and a "73" inside this 8-page, 11 3/4 x 9 1/2 inch marketing piece. There are only extended front bumper guards on this version which also points to an early '73. I think the bumpers were moved out on the ones built after Jan. 1. Still, this is a very desirable early sports coupe, pillarless at that! I remember when they first came out and were considered very well equipped for the money. The interior photos say it all. This folder didn't quite fit on my scanner, but you get the idea that this was a Japanese Mustang in concept, perhaps 7/8 size in production. It also competed with the original Capri imported for Mercury.
I never cared for the tape stripe on the front fenders and door, but the shape of this Celica is sexy! The detailing like the air vents on the C pillar is really finely honed.
A friend of mine had one of these -- it was yellow and I always thought it was a perfect little two-door hardtop. I especially liked the dashboard. I also liked the Corona two-door hardtop -- it came out in 1970 I think, and was more subdued inside and out. With the windows down it looked kind of elegant for a little car!
ReplyDeletePaul, NYC
I think Japan's pillarless coupes of the late 60s and early 70s were really good looking! Even the Crown of '72 had a pretty distinctive coupe bodystyle.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Crown hardtop. I thought it was quite something! I guess they were the ancestors of the Lexii (Lexuses?) of today.
ReplyDeletePaul, NYC
Did you ever see this website?
ReplyDeletehttp://japanesenostalgiccar.com/
thanks for that link, Woody! The pillarless coupe in their logo is hot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Casey--- so simple yet so cool! Have a great holiday season. Best,Rob
ReplyDelete