Generation 1 of 7 · 1970–1977

1st-generation Toyota Celica

The first Celica: a rear-wheel-drive coupé built on the Carina platform, joined later by a liftback.

All generations
Yellow 1970 Toyota Celica coupé with GT stripes on display in a museum hall
1970 Toyota Celica coupé (TA22) at the Toyota Automobile Museum in Japan. Photo: Coolalabright, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In short

The key facts

  • Toyota built the first-generation Celica from 1970 to 1977.1
  • Toyota released it in Japan on 1 December 1970 as a two-door hardtop coupé and calls it Japan's first “specialty car”.2
  • It shared its platform with the Carina sedan and used rear-wheel drive.21
  • Engines were four-cylinders from 1.4 to 2.2 litres, with four- or five-speed manuals or a three-speed automatic.1
  • In April 1973 Toyota added the Celica Liftback, a three-door 2+2 with fastback styling.3

Sources differ. When did the liftback arrive? Toyota dates its launch in Japan to April 1973; CarScoops ties a liftback to the 1976 facelift. We show both.

Data

Production 1970–19771
Launch in Japan 1 December 1970; Liftback from 6 April 197323
Model codes (Japan) TA20, TA22 (coupé); RA25, TA27 (liftback)23
Other chassis codes RA20, RA21, RA22 (coupé)4
Body styles Two-door hardtop coupé; three-door liftback from April 197323
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive1
Engines Four-cylinder, 1.4 to 2.2 litres1

Compare the 1st-generation versions side by side →

On the channel

Videos about this generation

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Buying one

Buying guide

Buying notes for this generation arrive with our videos about it. The guide explains what to check on any Celica.

Read the buying guide →

Sources

  1. CarScoops: Toyota Celica Turns 50, A Look Back At The Seven Generations Of The Japanese Sports Car (Cristian Gnaticov, 18 October 2020)
  2. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica, 1st generation (1970)
  3. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica Liftback, 1st generation (1973)
  4. Wikipedia: Toyota Celica (used only where no other source has the fact)

Checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to hello@liftbacklegends.com.

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