39k-Mile 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback USGP Edition Five-Speed

Description

The Toyota Celica debuted at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show and was offered as a three-door hardtop coupe before a liftback variant was added for 1971—the same year it arrived in the United States. The second-gen Celica (1978-81) provided additional power and safety features over the original, and it was named “Import of the Year” by Motor Trend magazine. The GT was the top trim level and was available in Sport Coupe or Liftback form. Toyota advertising called the GT Liftback “lean, clean, and a little bit mean.”  

The 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback USGP Edition was a special one-year-only trim package to commemorate Toyota's connection to the U.S. Grand Prix race in Long Beach, California. Only 600 were produced: 200 red, 200 white, and 200 blue. The USGP package came at an extra cost of $750, including a special honeycomb grille, flat black B pillars, Grand Prix body stripes, front and rear mudguards, and special aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, textured Ivory vinyl seats with black piping accents and an ivory-colored headliner were unique to the USGP edition, as was the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, dash plaque, and a three-piece audio system consisting of electronic tuner, cassette deck, and equalizer/amplifier. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Carolina Collection 

• Rare one-year USGP Edition (only 200 in Red) showing just 39,279 miles from new 

• 2.2-liter four-cylinder “20R” engine 

• Five-speed manual transmission  

• Finished in Red (391) paint over Ivory (GA25) vinyl interior  

• 14-inch aluminum wheels with 185/70R14 tires  

• Factory air conditioning

Features 

• The USGP Edition features: 

  • Special honeycomb grille  

  • Flat black B-pillars 

  • Grand Prix body stripes 

  • Front and rear mudguards  

  • Special aluminum alloy wheels 

  • Red, white, or blue paint 

  • Textured Ivory vinyl seats with black piping accents 

  • Ivory-colored headliner 

  • Special AM/FM/Cassette deck with graphic equalizer 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback USGP Edition is presented as a finely preserved original example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections   

Included 

• Celica Owner’s Manual 

• 1980 Toyota Service Owner’s Guide 

 Ownership History 

This 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback USGP Edition was purchased new from Jim White Toyota in Toledo, Ohio on 3 July 1980 by a Mr. Barney Edwards, and it remained with Mr. Edwards for 32 years. The car has less than 39,279 original miles and received a significant engine tune-up as well as a complete suspension rebuild seven or eight years ago. The original owner’s manual and owner’s guide are included in the sale, along with some service receipts. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Donnie Gould   Phone: 954.647.0779    email: dgould@hagerty.com