Images are from the brochure collection of Hemmings Motor News
The first-generation Toyota Celica got a fairly frosty reception when it arrived in 1971, unlike its near instantly-popular fastback 240Z competitor from Datsun. But by the middle of the 1970s, this two-door notchback hardtop (the Liftback would be imported for 1976) was catching on with buyers, and sold nearly 65,000 units. The 1975 ST and GT models that this brochure promotes display the new 5 MPH bumpers that replaced the charming chrome "smile" bumpers initially used. Both shared the "20R" 2.2-liter, SOHC four-cylinder making 96 hp and 122-lbs.ft. of torque (90/120 in California), although the GT got a five-speed manual while the ST made do with a four-speed or optional three-speed automatic. The GT also got wider tires (185 vs. 165 x 13 radials) on sportier wheels, racing stripes, a simulated woodgrain dash, special steering wheel and knit-type vinyl upholstery. The ST came nicely loaded with an AM/FM stereo, tinted glass, 8,000-RPM tachometer, power front disc/rear drum brakes and more.
Note the curious selection of license plates fitted to these photo cars; There's an orange and blue, 1974 and newer-style New York State plate, a contemporary blue and yellow California plate, an unmarked black and yellow plate (above) which approximates the classic 1960s California plate, and even a 1976 Washington D.C. plate (top), appearing two years before this October, 1974-dated brochure was printed!
It's also interesting to ponder the map showing Toyota's nearly 1,000 U.S. dealerships… according to this automaker, that number has grown by half again in the past 41 years on.
Click on the brochure images below to enlarge.
from Hemmings Daily – News for the collector car enthusiast http://ift.tt/2abKbPT
No comments:
Post a Comment