‘This car is back on the road after 25 years’

1975 Celica 22GT Malcolm Graham-jones, Cheltenham

I run the register for Celicas in the Toyota Enthusiasts’ Club. I have a one previous owner brown TA22 ST that was used in a PC photo shoot with Nick Larkin in 1999. I also have a bronze 22GT, which has just returned to the road after 25 years. It’s been a long restoration on my part, but now roadworthy and going well. Toyota only imported 300 22GTS from September 1974, to allow Win Percy to enter the British Touring Car Championships. It won its class in 1975 and 1976 and was the car that started Martin Brundle’s racing career as his father owned a Toyota dealership in Norfolk. It was also driven by Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams. Currently there are 15 survivors and five roadworthy ones out of the 300. The GT was fitted with a 1600 twincam engine with twin Solex carbs (like a Lotus Cortina) and a five-speed box with LSD.

Recently there has been an increase in interest and values of Celicas, which is great for the both club and us owners.