I’ve only watched it once, ever, and that was because my mother had a crush on Jason Priestley because she wouldn’t stop watching Beverly Hills, 90210. The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race pitted a field of professional drivers against a list of celebrities, personalities or, in one case, an auction winner on a ten-lap race on the Grand Prix of Long Beach in identically-prepared Toyota-sourced vehicles. From 1977 until 2005, that vehicle was Toyota’s sporty little Celica. And if the seller is to be believed, this particular 1982 GT hatchback ran the event from 1982-1985. Plucky-looking little thing, isn’t it? The rear-drive Celicas are a bit of a hoot to throw around, and the styling, while 100% 1980s look, has aged pretty well, all things considered. And it’s got those X-shaped wheels that just look cool…don’t ask me to explain why I like that wheel on that car, it’s just the perfect match. 
Ok, so this thing is up for sale. It’s a real-deal, never registered, body-in-white that was built by Parnelli Jones Racing explicitly for the series. The engine is an 18R-G four-banger that makes 155 horsepower on a dyno, hooked to a five-speed manual trans, which spins a Richmond 4.10 gearset and a Precision Gear limited-slip unit. Eibach springs, Tokico shocks, and Hoosier racing tires round out the running gear. Except maybe the wheels, it sounds like a tuned street car, doesn’t it? 
We aren’t saying that you’ll get plates on this wicked little beast easily. The body is a JDM setup, not a US version. Who knows if there is even a VIN number on it? There’s rudimentary electrics, no outside lighting save maybe taillights, no side windows at all, and only what you need to hop in and crank around a track with. You can try like hell to get this thing legal, and if you made it, that would be bad-ass, but we’d suggest spending your money first on that sweet 1980s Toyota red/orange/yellow stripe layout. No self-respecting race car stays plain-jane body in white, you know!
Craigslist Link: 1982 Toyota Celica Pro/Celebrity Racer by Parnelli Jones Racing
The price is OK for this Toyota.
I have an official 70’s Toyota racing jacket from Watkins Glen race. Car is setup up as a GTS in these photos. Wonder if it has IRS. 1985 was the last year for the Celica worth owning IMHO.
I’d rather have the Chevelle on the lift.
Your write up is incorrect on the engine it\’s a 20R series single can, not a 18 rg, 18 rg\’s where twin cam yamaha headed 18 rc\’s sold in the import\’s only.
Author needs a new career. Not an 18R-G, not JDM (it\’s left hand drive!!!)…journalistic and general automotive failure.