From Derelict to Desirable: Reviving a ’95 Celica Convertible
Discovering a rusty, long-forgotten relic of the 60s or 70s in a junkyard is no unusual feat for car enthusiasts. There’s a certain thrill in rescuing vintage automobiles and bringing them back to life. However, when a car from the mid-90s is in a similar state of disrepair, it can’t help but make everyone feel a tad old. Such is the case with this once-proud 1995 Toyota Celica Convertible, a car that appears to have aged well beyond its years.
The Unique Appeal of the ’95 Celica Convertible
What sets this Celica apart is its convertible top. The interesting twist is that no sixth-generation Celicas meant for the North American market ever left Toyota’s production plant in Tahara, Aichi, Japan, with a soft-top. The story takes a turn when we venture into the realm of American Specialty Cars (ASC). Starting in February 1994, the North American T200-series Celicas destined to be convertibles were sent to ASC’s facility in Rancho Dominguez, California.
An Intricate Transformation
At the ASC facility, skilled craftsmen and technicians embarked on a remarkable transformation. They carefully replaced the standard metal roof with a triple-layer, well-insulated convertible top that provided excellent protection against the elements, similar to the stock Celica coupe. This conversion also extended the ’95 Celica coupe’s wheelbase by approximately ten millimeters.
The Rarity of the ’95 Celica Convertible
With just over 6,000 Celica convertibles modified at ASC for the 1995 model year, this seemingly dilapidated vehicle holds a remarkable rarity. While it might be hard to envision any value in a car in such a state, this Celica is, by all accounts, genuinely rare.
A Glimpse into Its Forgotten Past
This 1995 Celica originally sported a 2.2-liter, FS-FE inline four-cylinder engine, churning out approximately 130 horsepower before it was reduced to a mere rolling chassis. Sadly, its engine has long since been cannibalized, likely repurposed in older Camrys and fifth-gen Celicas where this engine was also a staple.
A Nostalgic Interior
Exploring the remains of the interior reveals a cabin that was once a comfortable place to be. Even the rear seats appear reasonably cozy. The potential for restoration is evident.
A Glimmer of Hope for Restoration
Admittedly, the chances of restoring this rare Celica might seem bleak, but history has shown that classic cars can emerge from seemingly hopeless conditions to become spectacular rides. Talented individuals invest substantial sums into revitalizing vintage vehicles, injecting new life into them.
A Bargain Opportunity
This brings us to the current opportunity. Dan’s Garage, a wrecking yard in Kennewick, Washington, has placed this rare Celica up for sale at a modest $800. It’s a call to the dedicated car enthusiasts to step forward and breathe new life into this unique Celica, perhaps with a legendary 2JZ engine, preserving an automotive gem for the future.
FAQs:
Q1: How was the Celica’s convertible transformation achieved?
A1: The North American T200-series Celicas were sent to an ASC facility in California, where skilled technicians meticulously replaced the stock metal roof with a triple-layer convertible top.
Q2: How many 1995 Celica convertibles were modified by ASC?
A2: Just over 6,000 Celica convertibles underwent the transformation by ASC for the 1995 model year, making them exceptionally rare.
Q3: What happened to the Celica’s original engine?
A3: Unfortunately, the original engine has been cannibalized and is no longer part of the car.
