The 1978 Toyota Celica, part of the A40 series (second generation), was a sporty compact car inspired by the muscle car design trend. It was available in coupe and lift-back body styles, with a focus on performance, style, and affordability. The Celica earned a reputation for being a reliable, fun-to-drive vehicle with sharp handling, making it a popular choice for driving enthusiasts.
Engine Specs and Features
Specification
Details
Engine Type
Inline-4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Codes
18R, 20R, 2T
Displacement Options
1.6L (1,588 cc), 2.0L (1,968 cc), 2.2L (2,189 cc)
Horsepower
75-97 hp (1.6L), 96-115 hp (2.0L), 95-110 hp (2.2L)
Torque
100-130 lb-ft
Compression Ratio
8.5:1 to 9.0:1
Fuel System
Carburetor, EFI for higher trims
Transmission Options
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Cooling System
Water-cooled
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Chassis
Specification
Details
Chassis Type
Unibody construction
Body Styles
2-door coupe, 3-door lift-back
Suspension (Front)
MacPherson strut with coil springs
Suspension (Rear)
4-link live axle with coil springs
Brakes (Front)
Disc brakes
Brakes (Rear)
Drum brakes
Steering Type
Recirculating ball
Wheel Size
13-inch steel wheels
Fuel and MPG
Specification
Details
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.2 gallons (50 liters)
Fuel Economy (City)
18-22 mpg
Fuel Economy (Highway)
24-30 mpg
Combined Fuel Economy
Approximately 22-26 mpg
Dimensions
Specification
Details
Wheelbase
2,400 mm (94.5 inches)
Length
4,335 mm (170.7 inches) (Lift-back slightly longer)
Width
1,650 mm (65.0 inches)
Height
1,315 mm (51.8 inches)
Curb Weight
1,000-1,150 kg (2,200-2,535 lbs), depending on model
Ground Clearance
150 mm (5.9 inches)
Safety Features
Safety Feature
Details
Seat-belts
3-point seat-belts for front seats, lap belts for rear seats
Body Construction
Reinforced unibody for added crash protection
Brakes
Front disc, rear drum
Steering Column
Collapsible for impact protection
Glass
Tempered safety glass
Lighting
Halogen headlights with integrated turn signals
1978 Toyota Celica Interior
Specification
Details
Seating Capacity
4 passengers
Upholstery
Vinyl or cloth (varied by trim level)
Dashboard
Sporty design with analog gauges
Instrumentation
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge
Steering Wheel
3-spoke design, vinyl-wrapped
Air Conditioning
Optional
Audio System
AM/FM radio with optional cassette player
Windows
Manual roll-up windows
Interior Space
Adequate headroom and legroom for a sporty coupe
1978 Toyota Celica Exterior
Specification
Details
Design Style
Sharp, angular lines with a sporty profile
Body Styles
Coupe, Lift-back
Bumpers
Chrome with rubber guards
Lighting
Round or rectangular headlights (varied by market)
Side Mirrors
Chrome or body-colored
Wheels
Steel wheels with hubcaps or optional alloy wheels
Paint Options
Wide range of solid and metallic colors
Current Selling Price in U.S.
Condition
Price Range (USD)
Project or Restoration Car
$3,000 – $7,000
Good Condition
$7,000 – $15,000
Fully Restored / Mint Condition
$15,000 – $25,000+
Rare Models (e.g., GT or Lift-back)
$20,000 – $30,000+
Note: Prices vary depending on condition, restoration quality, location, and market demand. You can find 1978 Toyota Celica for sale in classic car marketplaces like Hemmings, Bring a Trailer, and edmunds, where prices tend to fluctuate based on demand and specific car conditions.
The 1978 Toyota Celica remains an iconic classic car, celebrated for its reliability, sporty performance, and timeless design. Its versatility, available in coupe and lift-back forms, and its affordability in the collector market make it a highly desirable vehicle for enthusiasts today.
