Explore the Price, specs and features of 1971 Toyota Celica. Men look at the 1971 Toyota Celica as a stylish and affordable sports coupe that drew some of its inspiration from the muscle car era. A generally sleek body with long hood short rear deck, round headlights, and some chrome rear accent. It was equipped with a 1.6L inline-four engine which produced a payoff generally somewhere around 90 hp and combined sporty performance with some measure of practicality. Offered in ST and GT trims, offered features from a four-speed manual trans to something much better than reliability and affordability-part of a legacy packed into the heart of Toyota’s lineup with even greater dollops of style.
Engine Specs and Features
Engine Type
1.6L Inline-4 (K-series)
Displacement
1,588 cc (1.6L)
Power Output
90 hp (67 kW)
Torque
128 Nm (94 lb-ft)
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
Fuel System
Carburetor
Bore x Stroke
82.5 mm x 85.0 mm
Transmission Options
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Performance (0-60 mph)
~11.5 seconds
Fuel & MPG
Specification
Details
Engine Type
1.6L Inline-4 (K-series)
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 liters (11.9 gallons)
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Economy (MPG)
20-24 MPG (US)
Chassis
Specification
Details
Chassis Type
Full-length steel ladder frame
Front Suspension
Independent strut suspension with coil springs
Rear Suspension
Live axle with leaf springs
Front Brakes
Disc brakes (on GT trim) or drum brakes (on base models)
Rear Brakes
Drum brakes
Steering
Recirculating ball-type steering mechanism
Wheelbase
2,400 mm (94.5 inches)
Track (Front)
1,380 mm (54.3 inches)
Track (Rear)
1,380 mm (54.3 inches)
Curb Weight
Approximately 900-950 kg (1,984-2,094 lbs)
Turning Radius
4.6 meters (15.1 feet)
Safety Features of 1971 Toyota Celica
Safety Feature
Details
Seat Belts
Front seat belts were standard; rear seat belts were either optional or not commonly included.
Rigid Body Structure
The vehicle was built with a solid body frame that provided a basic level of protection in the event of a crash.
Bumper Design
Chrome bumpers were used, designed for low-speed impact protection.
Steering Column
Energy-absorbing steering column that would collapse during a collision, reducing the risk of injury to the driver.
Brakes
Disc brakes on the GT trim and drum brakes on base models. The GT trim’s disc brakes offered improved stopping power.
Safety Glass
Laminated safety glass was used for the windshield, breaking into smaller pieces rather than sharp shards in case of an accident.
Crash Protection
The rigid body design and simple safety features provided reasonable protection, but the Celica was not equipped with crumple zones or side-impact protection as seen in modern cars.
Lighting
Standard headlights with reflectors for better visibility, especially at night.
Driver and Passenger Space
Basic cabin design with a focus on comfort, though crash safety features like side-impact airbags were not available at the time.
1971 Toyota Celica Interior
Feature
Details
Seating Capacity
4 passengers (2-door coupe layout)
Upholstery
Fabric upholstery was standard, with vinyl or leather options available in higher trims
Dashboard
Simple and functional, with analog gauges for speed, fuel, and engine temperature; some models featured wood or vinyl trim for a more refined look
Instrument Cluster
Round dials for speed, fuel, oil, and engine temperature; simple layout with a focus on readability
Climate Control
Basic ventilation system with heating; air conditioning was optional on higher trims
Audio System
AM radio was standard, with an optional 8-track tape player in higher trims
Steering Wheel
A standard three-spoke steering wheel, often made of chrome or plastic for a sporty look
Storage
Adequate trunk space for luggage; small interior storage compartments and a glove box
Front Seats
Bench or bucket-style seats, depending on trim level; adjustable reclining seats in some models
Rear Seats
2-passenger rear bench seat with reasonable legroom for the era
Exterior of the 1971 Toyota Celica
Feature
Details
Body Style
Available as a 2-door coupe and a 2-door fastback
Front Grille
Rectangular grille with horizontal chrome bars, flanked by round headlights.
Headlights
Round, chromed headlights with a wide, open look that gave the car a sporty, aggressive appearance
Bumpers
Chrome bumpers for both front and rear, offering basic impact protection while contributing to the car’s clean look
Roof Design
Smooth, sloped roofline with options for vinyl roof finishes on higher trims, adding a touch of luxury
Wheel Design
Steel wheels with full chrome hubcaps as standard; optional alloy wheels for the higher trims
Tail Lights
Rectangular tail lights, often with a chrome or plastic surround, providing a clean and simple rear look
Paint Options
A variety of solid and metallic paint colors, including shades like white, blue, green, and yellow; two-tone paint was available on higher trims
Dimensions
Length: 3,945 mm (155.5 inches), Width: 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), Height: 1,340 mm (52.8 inches), Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 inches)
Sale Price in the U.S
Condition
Price Range (USD)
Good Condition (Original, Well Maintained)
$8,000 – $15,000
Restored/Excellent Condition
$15,000 – $25,000
Project Car (Needs Restoration)
$2,500 – $6,000
You can find 1971 Toyota Celica for sale in classic car marketplaces like Hemmings, Bring a Trailer, and eBay Motors, where prices tend to fluctuate based on demand and specific car conditions.
