Long time reader, first time poster here. My name is Steve and I had been on the hunt for a 1st gen for just under a year before I found "the one". I've owned two 6th gen Celicas in the past, both of which I regret getting rid of. When I began my search for a 3rd, I decided to broaden my horizons a bit and discovered the 1st gen. The more I researched the car, the more I knew I had to get one. After looking at a few bad prospects, I finally came across a 1976 5 speed GT that was in immaculate condition. The bad part, it was in Las Vegas (~10 hours away). Well, I wasn't about to let that little drive hold me back, so my wife and I headed out to Vegas, drove right by the strip without even getting out of the car, and picked up my new Celica. I trailered it halfway home, and drove it the other half. Not only did it run great the entire 4 hours I was on the road, but the AC even blew cold! Getting it to pass California smog inspection wasn't the easiest task, but after a bit of elbow grease and 2 cans of seafoam, I got the signature and some shiny new CA plates.
My goal is to slowly restore it to near-original condition (aesthetically), and throw on some minor engine mods like a header and weber carb. So far the extent of my work has been cleaning, waxing, and polishing; but I hope to get on to the fun stuff in the near future. Anyway, here are a few pics...
About to load it onto the trailer in Vegas
First wash
bumpers and your celica is perfect
