First generation Toyota Celica. By Mytho88 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
During the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show, which opened on this day in 1970, Toyota unveil a new production sports car, the Toyota Celica. The name, derived from the Latin word for heavenly, would become a staple of the Toyota lineup from 1971 through 2006. When first introduced Toyota pulled a trick from Ford's playbook, building a new sports car on the underpinnings of a more moderate vehicle. Like the Mustang being built on the Ford Falcon, the first generation Toyota Celica shared components with the Carina. Unlike the Falcon/Mustang relationship, the Carina was also new for 1971.
1976 Toyota Celica. By Mr.choppers - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
In 1978 Toyota began production of a higher end model, the Toyota Celica XX, wh...