Someone Built A Mid-Engine Roadster Version Of The Last Toyota Celica

The Celica nameplate may be gone from Toyota’s range but the affordable sportscar is definitely not forgotten. Those who are looking for a used example of the last generation will be shocked to discover this weird mid-engined conversion that is currently listed for sale in the UK.

The seventh generation of the Toyota Celica sold between 1999 and 2006 was a front-engined, front-wheel-drive sportscar with a closed roof and a 2+2 interior layout. However, the pictured example is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater roadster, a description that would be better suited to a period-correct Toyota MR2 Spyder.

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As described by the listing on eBay, the car is currently a track-only affair, but it can get Q plates allowing it to be driven on public roads. It is based on a tubular space frame chassis, with the engine relocated in midship position behind the fully exposed cabin. The naturally aspirated 1.8-liter VVTLi four-cylinder petrol engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 191 PS) right from the factory. The six-speed manual transmission has also been relocated, presumably sending power to the rear axle.

With such a different engine layout and weight balance, we are sure that this modified Celica will be quite different in terms of driving dynamics compared to the stock model. In order to further improve handling, the owner stuffed it with double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link setup at the back, featuring fully adjustable inboard coilovers together with a pair of adjustable anti-roll bars.

On the outside, the mid-engined Celica retains the stock panels on the front end, doors, windscreen, rear bumper and tailights, but everything else is custom. The roof is cut-off, with a tubular frame added behind the two-seater cabin for safety. The rear quarter panels are styled after the original but they are made of fiberglass. The bespoke rear deck is covering the area where the rear seats used to be, with vents allowing the engine to breathe and side intakes added for cooling. Finally, a fixed rear spoiler, bumper extensions, side skirts, and TRD badges bring a sportier look alongside the blue-painted brake calipers.

The vehicle is listed for £4,500 ($5,378), which sounds quite reasonable for such a unique conversion, especially if you consider how much work has been put into it. Mind you, the owner built it as a free-time project during retirement, but he now suffers from back problems and his doctor called him to stop playing with cars. We will congratulate him for the effort and hope he finds a buyer.