Has now been SOLD - New Home in TASMANIA

The mustang Celica.  One of the most popular sports cars Toyota has ever designed.  The production of this classic for the Australian market lasted one year only making it easily the rarest Celica model in this country.  In 1977 Australia welcomed the introduction of Toyota's New RA-28 Fastback Celica. 

In it's standard guise, the RA-28 boasted a 2-Litre 18-R engine capable of producing an uninspiring 86bhp.  The GT version nestled the popular 18-RG Twin-Cam almost doubling power output to a respectable 140bhp.

My RA-28 Duco is Awesome

16" Custom Made Wheels

Toyota unveils the Baby Mustang

The design of the first Celica hatch was being carved well before the RA-28 hit the Australian market. 

Orignially, the hatch was designed as a progression from the original TA-22.  In early 1973, the SV1 was created but never went into production.

You can see that the SV1 offered the public the very first glance at the sleek and distinctive lines that the RA-28 is famous for today.

 

  
 
<MY RA-28 

       RA-25>

      Above: My RA-28 looks aggressive
In April 1973, Toyota released it's first full production Celica Hatch - The RA-25.  It didn't appear on the Australian market.  The new liftback looked so similar to the 1969 Ford Mustang fastback that the Celica liftbacks are often called the "Mustang style". The earlier interior and mechanicals were retained. There were 5 narrow tail lights each side and 14" wheels were used on the RA25. Liftbacks after Oct 1975 had 3 wider tail lights each side (more like the Mustang) but the 2 types of lights are interchangeable.   The above pictures show the rare RA-25GT grille presently on my RA-28.
   
THE QUEST FOR MORE POWER - 3T-GTE/4T-GTE

The TA-64 Celica Twincam Turbo was Toyota’s pick when the WRC switched to Group B regulations in 1983.  The Celica Twincam Turbo won six African rallies; three of which were achieved at the Kenyan events and the other three in Ivory Coast. The car was thus recognized as the king of African events.  The TA-64 pictured on the left ran a 4T-GTE producing 370bhp.  The 4T-GTE was  the homologated 3T-GTE.  The Group B class was soon cancelled after the general public and some rally entrants protested that the cars were unsafe because of the powerful engines.
The 3T-GTE installed into my RA-28 retains the original running gear including matching gearbox/clutch etc. although is now managed by a Microtech MTX-8 aftermarket ECU.  It also now runs a front-mount intercooler. 

Currently running 5psi & factory MAP it is only producing around 160bhp (A far less frantic, less tiring and incredibly improved tractability 160bhp compared to my previous 18-RG though!).  However, after dyno-tuning & 12psi boost the current setup will produce 200bhp.  With little internal massaging, this engine is capable of close to 300bhp.  In a car weighing only 1200kg, that's mighty bloody quick!

Above: 3T-GTE TURBO POWER!

Above: 3T-GTE in my RA-28 Engine Bay Complete with Intercooler.
The RA-28 has had a major interior re-trim including 2000 year Honda Prelude sports buckets. The vehicle is being sold complete with a CD-Player, Crossovers, and front split system speakers.

Engine bay is neat and tidy and only a little work would bring it up to show standards.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

Click on the pictures to enlarge
My RA-28 may not be perfect, but it is an honest example of a classic vehicle which has been extremely well maintained.  Every part of the car has had good money spent on it ensuring the work done would last a considerably long time.  The engine conversion was done professionally and has all the correct engineer certificates to ensure registration in Queensland.  The car has at present 4 modifications which need approval, each of which is listed on it's official modification plate: 1. Engine mount, 2. Gearbox Mount, 3. Addition of Turbocharger, 4. Modified Seating [front seats] (not seating capacity).

Firstly, this type of vehicle in this type of condition is extremely rare, especially in Australia.  Secondly, the vehicle has had tens of thousands already spent on it.  Thirdly, if you were to buy an old clunker (if you could find one which has little enough rust to even be able to restore it) and restore it to this condition, the cost would be well over 2 to 3 times the price I am asking.  The price is very modest considering the proper professional installation of the engine including all engineer reports is almost the price of the whole car as it is for sale today.

If you are looking for a very special vehicle to add to your personal collection you need look no further.  You won't buy many cars for this sort of money that won't depreciate in value like this vehicle if you keep it well.  This model is only getting rarer by the day.

CLICK HERE INDIAN GIRL