Resurrected 1976 Toyota Celica Liftback: A Malaysian Automotive Masterpiece

Imagine a sun-drenched Saturday in Kalamata, Greece. Suddenly, a pristine first-generation Toyota Celica Liftback catches your eye – a stunning example of vintage automotive design. This isn't just any Celica; it's a meticulously restored masterpiece owned by Nikos Bakogiorgas, and it tells a captivating story.

With rumors of a new Celica on the horizon, Nikos's 1976 model serves as a perfect reminder of the original's charm. Launched in 1971 as a notchback coupe, the Liftback variant arrived in 1973, offering a more practical fastback roofline and rear hatch. Nikos's car, representing the final years of the first generation, perfectly embodies Toyota's early formula of stylish, accessible performance.

Mustang Inspiration, JDM Execution

The Celica Liftback's design clearly draws inspiration from the Ford Mustang, featuring iconic pony car elements like C-pillar louvers and vertical taillights. However, its sloping fastback roof and spacious rear hatch provide a grand touring silhouette, making it a surprisingly practical sports car for everyday use. Nikos's vibrant yellow Celica, sporting custom BBS wheels, looks like a vintage racer ready for action, but its story is one of remarkable resurrection.

Acquired in 2013, Nikos completely stripped the car down to its bare chassis in 2014, meticulously rebuilding it from the ground up. The car had a rich history, traveling from Iraq to Greece before becoming Nikos's ambitious project.

A Full-On Restomod

This isn't just a restoration; it's a comprehensive restomod. The Celica was repainted in a striking yellow – a color borrowed from the Toyota Prius palette – that demands attention. Other modifications include a Celica GT grille, BMW-sourced yellow-tinted headlights for a touch of European flair, a race-inspired front splitter, fresh chrome bumpers, and fender-mounted mirrors. The aggressive stance is further enhanced by custom three-piece 15-inch BBS wheels (upgraded from the original 13-inch), wrapped in staggered 195/50R15 front and 205/45R15 rear tires, and a significant suspension drop.

Retro Meets Resto: Interior Upgrades

The interior continues the blend of classic and custom. Malaysian-imported white vinyl bucket seats complement the stock rear seats (though those rear seatbelts are best suited for toddlers!). A custom yellow carpet ties the interior seamlessly to the exterior's vibrant color. While retaining the original ST (Sport Touring) trim's air conditioning and faux wood inserts, Nikos incorporated a modern touch with a Bluetooth-compatible ECU displaying real-time engine data via a phone mount. A Momo steering wheel, carbon-style inserts, and a TRD gear knob round out the sporty, retro feel.

Upgraded Chassis and Powertrain

The mechanical upgrades are extensive, transforming this Celica into a true restomod. The chassis sits 3 inches lower thanks to BC coilovers (front) and Swift lowering springs with Kayaba adjustable dampers (rear). Many components, including the front suspension, rear axle, ventilated disc brakes, and limited-slip differential, are sourced from the iconic Toyota Corolla AE86, a predecessor to the GR86. The original 1.6-liter, 105-hp engine has been replaced with a much more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder from a Japanese-market Toyota Altezza RS200 (the Lexus IS), paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Tuned to 235 hp, this Beams 3S-GE engine features a new ECU, Toda Racing camshafts, individual throttle bodies (ITBs), and a custom 60 mm exhaust manifold.

Despite the engine swap, the Celica remains remarkably light at 1,100 kg (2,425 pounds). This translates to impressive performance: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6 seconds, a 13.8-second quarter-mile, and a theoretical top speed of 248 km/h (154 mph) (Nikos has reached 235 km/h).

Driving Impressions

Surprisingly, the lowered suspension doesn't compromise ride comfort. The BC coilovers and Swift springs provide excellent handling without sacrificing ride quality. On the highway, it's a relaxed cruiser, yet the throttle response instantly reminds you of the potent upgrades. The high-revving naturally aspirated engine's glorious sound is a highlight, rewarding spirited driving. Fuel consumption is surprisingly economical at around 10 lt/100km (23.5 mpg) at 120-130 km/h. The only notable age-related issue is the somewhat loose steering at high speeds due to the original recirculating ball steering rack, an upgrade to an AE86 rack is planned. Braking requires firm pressure, typical for a classic car, and the clutch is also heavy and sensitive. Overall, however, it’s much more user-friendly than expected.

Nikos's Automotive Passion

Nikos's automotive passion extends beyond this Celica. He also owns a heavily modified 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 race car and a 1985 Toyota Celica Supra currently undergoing restoration. His preference for rear-wheel-drive, front-engine grand tourers is clear. He appreciates the connection formed through building and restoring cars, a bond unavailable in showroom-fresh vehicles. His Celica embodies this philosophy – a personalized expression of his automotive passion.

Nikos's Celica is more than just a car; it's a testament to meticulous restoration and a vibrant love for automotive history. It's a reminder that classic cars are not simply machines but rolling stories, carrying their past, present, and a bright future fueled by passion and precision.

Special Thanks to Niko Bakogiorgas | Pictures: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops