Description
The history of Japanese motorsports
began with the first Japanese Grand Prix (GP) held in 1963.
Domestic manufacturers at the time were actively involved in the harsh motorsports, and in
1965 Toyota formed the TMSC (Toyota Motorsports Club).
The following year, Toyota participated in the 3rd Japan GP for the first time with the 2000GT, Toyota's first model equipped with a DOHC engine.
The Celica 1600GT, which debuted in October 1970,
was being developed for racing from the development stage. We have added a
front spoiler, rear spoiler, headlamp cover, and over fender whose shapes were determined through computer and wind tunnel experiments .
The 2T-G engine was powered up by using a dry sump, and
the suspension arm was completely reworked
to create a strong touring car that could compete with its rivals.
The Celica 1600GT first competed in a race in November 1971
at the Japan All-Star Race held at Fuji.
It was a spectacular debut, taking 1st to 3rd place in the TS-b class, where 3 cars competed.
In 1972, the Celica's steady progress continued,
winning the touring car class at the All Japan Suzuka Motor Race in March.
In April of the same year, at the Race de Nippon held in Fuji,
it demonstrated its potential to dominate the top rankings by beating out the Skyrun GT-R and Fairlady 240Z to take the overall victory.
At the Japanese GP held at Fuji on May 3rd, the Celica almost dominated the top positions in 1st, 2nd and 4th place, with the
Corolla Levin also taking 3rd place, demonstrating Toyota's overwhelming strength.
