Generation 3 of 7 · 1981–1985

3rd-generation Toyota Celica

The last rear-wheel-drive Celica, as a notchback coupé or a liftback.

All generations
Light blue third-generation Toyota Celica liftback parked on grass next to an orange saloon
1982 Toyota Celica 2.0 XT liftback. Photo: Fiver, der Hellseher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In short

The key facts

  • Toyota released the third generation in Japan on 2 July 1981; it was built until 1985.21
  • It came as a two-door notchback coupé or a liftback, with pop-up headlamps that sit flush with the body when closed.2
  • In October 1982 Toyota made 200 GT-TS cars available for Group B homologation; one of them went on to win the 1984 Safari Rally.2
  • In August 1985 the Celica switched to front-wheel drive, which makes this the last rear-wheel-drive generation.3
  • In Europe the range included the Celica Supra 2.8i with a 170 PS six-cylinder engine.1

Sources differ. CarScoops lists a two-door convertible from the 1981 launch and Wikipedia dates it to 1984; Toyota's history page names only the coupé and the liftback.

Data

Production 1981–19851
Launch in Japan 2 July 19812
Model codes (Japan) RA63, SA60, TA63, TA612
Series code A604
Body styles Notchback coupé, liftback2
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive3
Rally Group B homologation model GT-TS, 200 built; rally car TA6424

Compare the 3rd-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.

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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 Liftback, 3rd generation (1981)
  3. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica Liftback, 4th generation (1985)
  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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