1985 Toyota Celica Rides Wave of '80s Nostalgia
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Nostalgia sells. Witness the rise of the RADwood phenomenon. The ultra-popular RADwood events - opens in new window or tab. celebrate cars and fashion of the 1980s and 1990s. The RADwood craze led to a boom in the value of vehicles from the era—even unremarkable cars.
The 1985 Toyota Celica recently offered on eBay is such an example. Admittedly, it’s not the top-of-the-line sports car from the marque, but it represents the era beautifully.
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The seller describes this Celica as a time capsule, and that’s mostly true. The interior, save for the tatty carpeted floor mats, looks nearly perfect. (See our guide to floor mats - opens in new window or tab..)
In addition, the seller, the car’s original owner, has all of the documents from the original purchase, including the original window sticker.
Among the collection of documents, there’s an Adjusted Market Value tag. It records a $2,500 markup on the price. Dealership markups are common these days due to supply chain woes and limited inventory on lots. But the same thing happened in the 1980s when many Japanese cars were in high demand. As a result, dealers could easily fetch well over sticker.
The Celica’s exterior, save for one problem spot, looks excellent. The black paint could use some detailing, and the bumpers look a bit dry and faded. But these details are easily refreshed.
Overlooking Minor Flaws
The spot of concern is ahead of the front passenger wheel—a chunk of rust on the lower part of the fender. It’s evidence of a small fender-bender, as the adjacent side marker light is also cracked. Perhaps the minor damage wasn’t well repaired, leading to the rust. After all, the car is over 30 years old.
The Celica won’t blow you away with its performance. The 22R-E four-cylinder engine - opens in new window or tab. produces around 113 horsepower via a five-speed manual transmission. The rear-drive layout promises solid handling, so it should be a pleasure to drive.
However, the $17,000 Buy-It-Now price might make some buyers pause, considering the trouble spot on that fender. But remember the 1980s nostalgia craze? With some minor rust repair - opens in new window or tab. and a bit of freshening, this 1985 Toyota Celica could serve as a sunny day driver for many years—even if you skip the bodywork.
Besides, there are precious few Celicas from the 1980s on our roads. So click the Buy-It-Now button, throw on your old acid-wash jeans - opens in new window or tab. or Adidas tracksuit - opens in new window or tab., and hit the road.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.