• A very solid example with only three owners since new
• Large amount of paperwork tracing the car back to the original sale and owner
• Very clean and unmolested modern Japanese classic with excellent interior condition

The Toyota Celica can trace its history back to the 1970s when the first generation Celica became the first Japanese car to be built using a robotic assembly line. The Celica name continued over the decades with Toyota keeping the car cutting edge for the new generations. 

The Celica grew larger and more practical but still managed to maintain the exciting driving dynamics that had attracted buyers to the car. The Celica enjoyed rally success throughout the 1980s being named the ‘King of Africa’ after winning three-quarters of the African WRC rounds in four years. WRC successes led to the now highly sought after, Celica GT-Four rally homologation special. 

The striking change to the Celica styling came with the seventh generation model. It debuted at the 1999 Detroit Motor Show and surprisingly changed very little from its initial concept when it was released to the public in September that same year. 

The sharp new Celica was more focused with only one coupe model offered. It allowed Toyota to focus on making the Celica lighter and more dynamic. The new 1.8 engines were co-developed with Yamaha and offered VVT-i, (variable valve timing) which combined nicely with the now lighter, slightly shorter and longer wheelbase of the new Celica. 

This 2001 Celica was originally supplied by Pinkstones Toyota in Stoke on Trent where the car started its life in the UK. The car would change owners and move to the Frome area before ending up in Devizes with the last previous owner. 

The Celica has been well looked after during its life with a large back catalogue of invoices and service history. The car was then purchased privately by the current owner this year, after undergoing a full and length service that overhauled the suspension and brakes. The car has had a new battery fitted in November and has just had a brand new clutch installed this December. 

Sadly the current owner has lost access to storage for the car and is now looking to move the Celica on to a new home. 

The Celica comes with a large amount of paperwork. The latest MOT certificate, giving 11 months, is present alongside a collection of past MOT certificates that go back to the original owner. Alongside the MOT history there is a large quantity of invoices for services and work that has been carried out on the car throughout its life in the UK. 

Included in these invoices there is the latest paperwork for the service completed in March 2021 that covers the new brake pads, shock absorbers and exhaust silencer. There is a comprehensive service history with the car including 12 stamped services in the owner's manual running from 2002 to 2013, as well as invoices for subsequent services carried out on the car since 2013. 

The Celica has a very good condition interior throughout with very little signs of wear given the age and mileage of the car. The black leather seats are in great condition with no tears or damage and feel comfortable and supportive. The carpets are in good condition with the rear seat area looking in very good condition. 

The dashboard area is also in very good condition with no marks or damage. All the leather accents on the door cards are in very good condition with very little signs of wear or use. All the buttons and switches are present and work as intended. Overall the interior of the Celica looks like it has been very well looked after with very minimal wear throughout and presents itself as a much younger vehicle. 

The exterior of the Celica is good overall but it is showing signs of wear and tear in areas. Overall the panels on the car are very straight with only a few very minor parking dents along the sides. The front bumper is in fair condition but has suffered from stone chips across its length, these have spread to the lower portion of the bonnet but are far more minor than the bumper. 

Overall the paintwork looks in good condition with only a few minor scratches visible on certain areas of the car. There is a small area of damage to the paint on the passenger wing mirror and the paintwork on the rear wing of the vehicle is in poor condition. The alloys on the vehicle are in very good condition and only show a small amount of curb damage to the rear driver's side. Overall the Celica is a solid example that looks presentable. 

The Celica bursts to life with ease at a turn of the key and runs very well. Lifting the bonnet reveals the 1.8 VVT-i engine that looks clean and tidy with clean plastics all round and nothing out of place. The Celica drives well going through the gears crisply thanks to the new clutch that has been recently installed. It may not have the most horsepower but the Celica performs admirably pulling well and with a satisfying rasp from the exhaust note. 

This is a rev happy engine thanks to the variable valve timings with peak torque at 6,400 rpm and this Celica revs freely to those heady ranges. The steering and suspension feel tight and responsive with no knocks or bangs and the breaking feels sharp and very effective. 

Sadly this seventh generation Celica was the last of its name for Toyota but boy did they leave it on a good note! The 2001 Celica is a fantastically useable and enjoyable modern classic sports car. The dramatic redesign from its previous generation is highly distinctive and still catches the eye today with its sharp, sporty looks and great road presence. 

That high rear tail and raked forward front grill give the Celica a cleaner and more aggressive look than its predecessors. The cabin is stylish but also comfortable with those body hugging bucket seats the Celica really does make you feel like you're part of a proper sports car. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for buyers to get their hands on a well maintained example of these brilliant cars. Lightweight, high revving and with fabulous handling these Celicas really are a lot of bang for your buck!