4th Feb, 2023 10:00

February Classic Vehicles & Memorabilia Auction

 
Lot 386
 

386

1981 TOYOTA CELICA ST

Sold for £17,000
Estimated at £9,000 - £10,000

Note that some lots may be sold provisionally


Lot details

Make: TOYOTA
Model: CELICA ST
Registration: NMC 518X
Engine Size (cc): 1588
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Date First Registered: 27/08/1981
MOT Expiry Date: March 2023
Current V5: YES
Location: PICKERING - 01751 477555

Current V5 present, paperwork includes a certificate of permanent export, general written notes, MOT test certificates, newspaper photocopies, invoices, pictures, and magazines.

Vendor's comments:

TOYOTA CELICA SUNCHASER 1600ST, 1981.

During the late 1970's to early 1980's, Toyota USA commissioned Griffith Conversions to convert approx. 2000 Generation 2 Celica's for the US market.

What they came up with was a unique conversion of a Targa Top and a conventional rear folding roof.

They then decided on converting some RHD UK Celica's. This was carried out by Aston Martin / Tickford under the license of Toyota.

Tickford geared up to do approx. 50 vehicles for the UK but during this period Toyota then launched Generation 3 Celica unbeknown to Tickford. Hence the conversion came to an abrupt halt as the purchase price of £5000 plus for the vehicle and then £3000 for the conversion on a vehicle that was being phased out was not viable. It is believed only 21 Sunchaser's were ever produced in the UK with only 21 surviving to this day, this one being the only one in use in the UK today (according to Toyota Club Knowledge).

Therefore, it makes this an extremely rarer sight nowadays. I purchased the car in 2016, having been off the road since 1999. I did a rolling restoration keeping it mostly original as possible to this day. The engine and drive train are all original with matching numbers etc. Basically, it's as rare as Hen's teeth!!

 

Make: TOYOTA
Model: CELICA ST
Registration: NMC 518X
Engine Size (cc): 1588
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Date First Registered: 27/08/1981
MOT Expiry Date: March 2023
Current V5: YES
Location: PICKERING - 01751 477555

Current V5 present, paperwork includes a certificate of permanent export, general written notes, MOT test certificates, newspaper photocopies, invoices, pictures, and magazines.

Vendor's comments:

TOYOTA CELICA SUNCHASER 1600ST, 1981.

During the late 1970's to early 1980's, Toyota USA commissioned Griffith Conversions to convert approx. 2000 Generation 2 Celica's for the US market.

What they came up with was a unique conversion of a Targa Top and a conventional rear folding roof.

They then decided on converting some RHD UK Celica's. This was carried out by Aston Martin / Tickford under the license of Toyota.

Tickford geared up to do approx. 50 vehicles for the UK but during this period Toyota then launched Generation 3 Celica unbeknown to Tickford. Hence the conversion came to an abrupt halt as the purchase price of £5000 plus for the vehicle and then £3000 for the conversion on a vehicle that was being phased out was not viable. It is believed only 21 Sunchaser's were ever produced in the UK with only 21 surviving to this day, this one being the only one in use in the UK today (according to Toyota Club Knowledge).

Therefore, it makes this an extremely rarer sight nowadays. I purchased the car in 2016, having been off the road since 1999. I did a rolling restoration keeping it mostly original as possible to this day. The engine and drive train are all original with matching numbers etc. Basically, it's as rare as Hen's teeth!!

Auction: February Classic Vehicles & Memorabilia Auction, 4th Feb, 2023

Welcome to our February Auction!

Prospective buyers are encouraged to view specific lots pre-auction and inspect paperwork if available.

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