1983 Toyota Carina GT-T (TA63)
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Highlights
- Very good condition throughout
- Highly original car
- An extremely rare and unusual car
The Appeal
With the popularity of 80’s style it’s no surprise we are seeing the return of many classic 80’s cars, but few are as cool as this Carina. This extremely rare Carina GT-T features an unusual Toyota engine designed with the help of Yamaha, the 3T-GTEU. It’s a twin-cam twin-spark turbocharged unit that puts out a healthy 160hp and was the first of its kind in Japan. Later developed into the 4T engine which featured in Toyota’s group B rally cars the engine is known for both its tunability and build quality.
This Carina GT-T was imported on behalf of the current owner from Japan in 2012 and has been kept garaged when not in use ever since. It presents very well throughout and with the minor exceptions of the exhaust and radio, it’s entirely original and only ever had genuine Toyota replacement parts.
Offering a ridiculous amount of retro cool combined with some very respectable performance this Carina GT-T is more than just another 80’s import. Extremely rare, in great condition, a joy to drive and un-modified, this is a fantastic opportunity to acquire something really special.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 present and correct
- Imported 2012
- MOT to December 2023
- Original owners manuals and marketing literature
- No documents prior to import, but full service history since
- A selection of invoices for yearly servicing and various sundries
- An invoice dated 2017 for extensive work on the front wings totaling almost £3,000
- Japanese language TA63 parts manual
The Interior
- Excellent condition throughout
- Highly original
- Packed full of 80’s style
- Very few signs of age or wear
- Includes original red Carina overmats
- Electric mirrors
- Heated rear screen
- There is a mark on the off side rear door card next to the window handle as pictured
- Door handles are somewhat faded
- Alpine stereo
Opening the door to this Carina is like stepping back forty years. From the pattern on the cloth seats to the green LCD clock on the dashboard the inside of this Carina is classic 80’s design through and through and looks fantastic. The cloth seats are supportive and comfortable and the car provides a smooth ride with none of the harshness its modern performance car successors often suffer from. That’s not to say it doesn’t feel sporty; the steering wheel is all business and even has “twin cam turbo” emblazoned across the big centre boss, coupled with the sound from the engine and you know this car will shift even before you touch the accelerator.
The interior is in fantastic condition, the dashboard presents superbly, with all of the dials, gauges and controls working as they should. The cloth seats show remarkably little signs of their age or mileage with both front and back presenting very well. The overall excellent condition of the interior combined with its 80’s cool factor make the interior of this Carina something really special that everyone will be able to appreciate.
The Exterior
- Very good condition throughout
- Angular 80’s styling looks superb
- Complete with original badges and decals all in good condition
- Comes with two sets of genuine wheels 15x6 and 14x5.5
- All four fitted wheels are in excellent condition
- Some peeling chrome effect on the rear window trim
- Front grille shows some signs of age
- Front wings refurbished in 2017
- Paintwork presents very well throughout
This Carina GT-T is one of the coolest cars we have seen in a while, the classic 80’s styling looks simply fantastic and it’s a car that attracts admiring glances wherever it goes. Finished in white with the black and orange wrap-around stripe and twin cam turbo badging and decals it looks great from every angle and is the epitome of retro cool.
It’s in excellent overall condition on the exterior, with some light age related patina in places that only adds to the authentic character of the car. All four of the currently fitted wheels present very well, along with the paintwork, light lenses, windows and most of the trim.
The Mechanics
- Starts easily and idles well
- The 1,770cc engine sounds fantastic
- Full stainless steel exhaust
- Rear wheel drive with limited slip differential
- MOT’d and ready to drive
- Engine bay presents well
- Shorter springs hae been fitted by the current owner, the originals are supplied with the car
- New clutch including slave cylinder in 2019
- One spot of corrosion in the rear wheel arch as pictured
- Underside is clean and has been fully undersealed
Thanks to the unusual twin-cam, twin-spark, turbo engine configuration the carina produces a very respectable 160bhp that’s delivered through an LSD to the rear wheels, making this Japanese sedan a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing and mighty fun to drive.
As with the rest of this car, the mechanical aspects all present very well. Both the engine and engine bay appear to be in very good condition and the underside has been undersealed. The Carina starts easily on a turn of the key and idles smoothly with no unwanted noises that we could hear. The owner informs us that the car drives exactly as it should, accelerating well, shifting smoothly and stopping quick and straight.
Summary
A fantastic blend of style, performance and driveability this Carina GT-T is a perfect example of a great modern classic. Cherished by the current owner since he brought it over from Japan, it’s in very good condition throughout. Perfect for anyone who loves some 80’s style in their cars, a fantastic edition to any collection, or perfect to get people talking at shows, with MOT it’s ready to drive away and enjoy however you want. This is a very rare opportunity to own one of these fantastic cars and one you won’t want to miss.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1983
- Make Toyota
- Model Carina GT-T (TA63)
- Colour White
- Odometer 127,781 Kilometres
- Engine size 1770
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Exmouth
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- de•••• £12,250 28/03/23
- ha•••• £12,000 28/03/23
- mu•••• £9,500 28/03/23
- ed•••• £9,300 28/03/23
- da•••• £9,100 28/03/23
- mu•••• £9,000 28/03/23
- ja•••• £8,800 28/03/23
- ed•••• £8,700 28/03/23
- ja•••• £8,500 28/03/23
- mu•••• £8,400 28/03/23
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