Publication: Motor Fan
Format: Group Test
Date: November 1970
Author: Yutaka Kazato, Hiroshi Okazaki, Yoshimasa Sugawara, Motor Fan Editorial Staff (uncredited)

At Fuji Speedway, racing driver Hiroshi Kazato, car commentator Hiroshi Okazaki, and Yoshimasa Sugawara, president of Racing Management Co. Ltd.–now also known as the “Motor Fan Fresh Trio”–gathered to drive the latest 1.6-liter DOHC specialty cars. The two cars on offer were the Mitsubishi Galant GTO and the Toyota Celica 1600GT.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Impressions
Date: January 1971
Author: Shotaro Kobayashi

Road testing the Toyota Celica 1600GT

The day after testing Toyota’s new Carina 1600ST, I had the opportunity to spend a little over three hours driving the Celica GT, so I’ll share my impressions while keeping them brief. The Celica is a sporty two-door hardtop that shares its floorpan, suspension, and powertrain with the Carina. Its aim is clearly to be the Japanese counterpart to the specialty cars that have found success in America with the Mustang, and in Europe with the Capri.

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: “Bubble Index” Road Test
Date: January 1971
Authors: Osamu Mochizuki, Katsuzo Kageyama, Shigeki Asaoka, Yasuhei Oguchi, Reiko Ikuuchi, Kensuke Ishizu

Cutting Into the New “Car Age”

The six specialists who took the Celica and Carina out on the road were unanimous, first and foremost, in recognizing the excellence of their chassis and suspension. In terms of the steering and stability demanded of cars in this new era, Toyota’s new series earned a passing mark right from the beginning.

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: Road Test
Date: March 1971
Author: Katsuhiko Nishida, Kenji Higuchi, Yasuhei Oguchi, Hiroshi Okazaki, Atsushi Watari, Akira Miyagawa, Kiyoshi Matsumura, Kunitaka Furitani, Masahide Sano, Hiroshi Hoshijima, Tadashi Nishiyama, Katsumi Kageyama, Yasu Saito, Kenzaburo Ishikawa, Akio Numazawa, Toshihide Hirata, Kiyoki Higuchi, Motor Fan Editorial Department (uncredited)

Aiming for “People First”

Magazine: To begin with, could you tell us about the aims and general outline behind the development of the Carina and Celica?

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Group Test
Date: April 1971
Author: “C/G Test Group” (Shotaro Kobayashi, uncredited)

Comparison test: Toyota Celica GT vs. Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR

Comparison test: Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR vs. Toyota Celica 1600GT

The Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR and Toyota Celica GT are remarkably similar cars, both in specification and character. Each is a five-seat sporting coupe aimed at essentially the same market, and both appeared at roughly the same time. Both are equipped with 1.6-liter DOHC engines and 5-speed gearboxes, while differences in external dimensions and weight are negligible.

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: Group Test
Date: July 1971
Author: Joji Obara

Have Domestic Cars Reached International Standards? Round 3: The Difference Between a Wild Stallion and a Mare

There’s an old saying that goes, “You have to ride a horse to really know it.” The same applies to cars–just looking at the styling tells you almost nothing about them. What this test drive revealed was just how full of surprises both the Alfa Romeo and the Celica really are.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Group Test
Date: November 1972
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Comparison Test: Toyota Celica 1600GTV vs Nissan Bluebird U 1600SSS-E

The Toyota Celica GT and Nissan Bluebird U 1600SSS occupy much the same market, both in character and in price class. Recently, noteworthy variations aimed at enthusiasts have been added to each range. These are the Celica GTV and the Bluebird U Hardtop 1600SSS-E, the two models examined in this comparison test.