An Almost Forgotten Toyota
I very rarely come across a Toyota Celica in its cabriolet form. Once, while browsing listings for the MR2, I stumbled upon a few examples, and a question immediately came to mind: what’s the story with this model, if it’s so rare and practically absent from the market? Intrigued, I began digging deeper—exploring the history, checking old catalogs, and browsing archived listings to learn why the Celica cabrio is so special and so hard to find.
Fun Fact: The Name “Celica”
The name Celica comes from Spanish, meaning heavenly, mysterious, divine. Toyota chose it to highlight the light, sporty, and exceptional character of the model.
Why the Celica Cabrio Is So Unique
The Toyota Celica Cabrio is one of the rarest and most fascinating variations of the brand’s legendary coupe. Although Toyota never produced it in-house, its history reflects the strong demand for convertibles during the 1980s and 1990s.
These cars weren’t just curiosities—they showcased collaborations between Toyota and conversion specialists like ASC (American Sunroof Corporation). Today, the Celica Cabrio is both a joyful summer cruiser and a potential collector’s investment, as well-preserved examples are becoming increasingly scarce.
A Short Guide to Celica Cabrio Generations
- A40/A50 (1977–1981) – Celica Sunchaser
Manufacturer: Griffith/Griffin International
Type: Targa + folding rear roof
Market: USA (approx. 2,000 units) - A60 (1984–1985)
Manufacturer: ASC – American Sunroof Corporation
Type: Classic cabrio (soft top)
Market: USA (sold officially by Toyota dealers) - T160 (1987–1989)
Manufacturer: ASC
Type: Celica Convertible
Market: USA, Europe, Japan (always ASC conversions) - T180 (1991–1993)
Manufacturer: ASC
Type: Celica Convertible (e.g., GT 2.2 in the USA)
Market: USA (rarely in Europe) - T200 (1995–1999)
Manufacturer: ASC
Type: Celica Convertible (GT 2.2, USA)
Market: USA (the last Celica cabrio) - T230 (1999–2006)
No cabrio version—Toyota discontinued the open-top line.
Market Insights – Europe vs. USA
On Autoscout24 I found 7 Celica cabrios for sale. One second-generation car appears to be a European aftermarket conversion (not the targa-style ASC version). The fifth generation (T18) dominates, with 5 examples listed. Prices range from €8,000 for usable cars to €20,000 for pristine examples—showing the wide value gap collectors often face.
There’s also a rare sixth-generation T20: a 180 hp automatic with 135,000 km, right-hand drive, listed at €22,000—in excellent condition. In this place I would like to thank to Black Celica owner for sharing me photos of his Toyota Celica Convertible. Here you have link do his offer [LINK].
The U.S. market tells a different story. The T20 is by far the most common, filling the gap left in Europe. Prices here range from a few thousand dollars up to $15,000, supporting the theory of growing collector value. Older versions are almost impossible to find—only a few expired auction listings remain.
Conclusion – Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for a Toyota cabrio, don’t stop at the obvious MR2. The Celica Cabrio is an overlooked treasure that can make a bigger impression than its mid-engine sibling.
With a budget of around €10,000, you might secure not just a fun summer toy but also a potential appreciating asset. Still, the real value lies in the driving experience—because few cars deliver the same joy as a Celica in such a rare and stylish form.