The 1979 Toyota Celica was a compact sports car with refined looking and exciting performance characteristics. It was part of the A40/A50 car generation and had a more contemporary design based on concepts of grand tourers, it was made in coupe, lift-back and convertible. The Celica was appealing to buyers who wanted an affordable car while at the same time one they could have great fun driving. Documentation of various aspects of the 1979 Toyota Celica is provided below in a bid to show specifications and features of the model.
Engine Specs and Features
Feature
Details
Engine Options
1.6L 4-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.2L 4-cylinder
Horsepower
90-115 hp, depending on the engine
Torque
100-120 lb-ft
Transmission Options
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Fuel System
Carburetor or EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Drive Type
Rear-wheel drive
Cooling System
Water-cooled
Performance
0-60 mph in approximately 10-12 seconds
Fuel and MPG
Feature
Details
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.2 gallons
City MPG
Approximately 18-23 mpg
Highway MPG
Approximately 24-30 mpg
Combined MPG
21-26 mpg
Dimensions
Feature
Details
Length
172-176 inches, depending on the body style
Width
64.2 inches
Height
52.2-53.0 inches
Wheelbase
95.7 inches
Curb Weight
2,400-2,700 pounds
Cargo Capacity
12-15 cubic feet, depending on the body style
Safety Features
Feature
Details
Brakes
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
Seat Belts
Standard lap and shoulder belts
Crumple Zones
Basic front and rear crumple zones
Safety Glass
Laminated windshield
Door Locks
Manual locking system
Child Safety Features
Optional child-proof rear door locks
Lighting
Halogen headlights and side marker lights
Additional Features
Reinforced body structure for improved safety
1979 Toyota Celica Interior Features
Feature
Details
Seating Capacity
4 passengers
Upholstery
Cloth or vinyl options
Dashboard
Driver-focused layout with analog gauges
Entertainment System
AM/FM radio; optional 8-track or cassette player
Climate Control
Optional air conditioning; standard heater
Storage
Compact compartments and glove-box
Steering Wheel
Three-spoke design with tilt adjustment
Interior Trim
Faux wood or metallic accents in higher trims
Rear Seat
Foldable rear seats in lift-back models
Lighting
Overhead dome light and courtesy lights
1979 Toyota Celica Exterior Features
Feature
Details
Body Styles
Coupe, Lift-back, Convertible
Headlights
Rectangular sealed-beam headlights
Wheels
14-inch steel or alloy wheels
Paint Options
Wide range of solid and metallic colors
Trim Levels
Base, GT, and ST
Design
Aerodynamic with a sporty profile
Chrome Details
Chrome accents on bumpers and window trim
Door Handles
Pull-type handles
Windows
Optional tinted glass
Roof Options
Sunroof available on certain trims
Current Selling Price in U.S.
Condition
Price Range
Excellent (Restored)
$15,000 – $22,000
Good (Well-maintained)
$10,000 – $15,000
Fair (Functional but Worn)
$6,000 – $10,000
Poor (Needs Restoration)
$3,000 – $6,000
Note: Prices vary depending on condition, restoration quality, location, and market demand. You can find 1979 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 1979 Toyota Celica is as an affordable sports car with sound engineering, dynamic handling, elegant design and reliability. Cult status this car has been retained as earlier models are still admired and preferred by enthusiasts due to its aesthetically pleasing looks and more importantly the mechanically less complex nature of the car.
