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Rough Start: Got A Rally Itch? How About A Toyota Celica All-Trac?


Rough Start: Got A Rally Itch? How About A Toyota Celica All-Trac?

The Toyota Celica All-Trac was the hidden gem in the Celica lineup. A 190hp all-wheel-drive version of the GT-S, the car was a rally rocket before the term existed. However, the Celica All-Trac tends to fly under the radar compared to Subarus and Mitsubishis, so you can still get into one for decent money. In this case, this particular Celica from Colorado Springs could make a decent project car or the perfect base for a race car. The turbocharger and intercooler have been removed, the turbo has been cleaned, rebuilt and pressure tested, but need to be reinstalled on the car, and the transmission’s input shaft seal leaks. The paint’s oxidation isn’t a surprise, as most late 1980’s paint tends to break down due to the high UV doses that the altitude provides. The owner comes across as easy to work with, as he offers to sell the car either with the turbo and intercooler re-installed or as-is, so there’s a chance that you could work on price a little. Even on the surface, it wouldn’t take a big investment to get this Celica up and drivable. Paint isn’t cheap, but it is a project, and a black All-Trac with a grey interior would look absolutely killer finished up. Or you could go fully ballistic and re-create a rally car at your own expense. Your call.

Craigslist: 1988 Toyota Celica All-Trac, Colorado Springs, $2,000

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This could be you.


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3 thoughts on “Rough Start: Got A Rally Itch? How About A Toyota Celica All-Trac?

  1. John T

    theres one of these at my missus’ place you can have for $500. needs work… she blew the engine up about 10 years ago…I bought one around the same time that had been t boned but not bad…paid 800 for it and all the panels, welded it up and flogged it off for 2 k..

  2. mooseface

    I’d take it, hands down.
    The S-series engines are very workable, and a little bit of time on the head makes for pretty good gains.

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