Toyota Celica - 2nd Gen (1978 to 1981)

1978 ushered in the second generation (A40/A50) of the budget pony car from Toyota, the Celica. The car would receive a facelift that lasted until 1979 when it was again the subject of a redesign. The early or pre-facelift second-generation Celica was released with round headlights and chrome bumpers for lower grades. The higher grades such as the Japanese GT and all U.S. models have black rubber bumpers. The facelift was launched in August 1979 came with square headlights and revised tail lights. The result was something resembling the Rover SD-1. The Celica would be available in liftback, notchback and convertible body styles. The American market received four variants, the GT, ST, and the GTA, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Celica. Eight different inline four-cylinder powerplans were offered, but the U.S. would only see the 2.2L (20R) and the 2.4L (22R). The second generation ended in 1981 with the third generation starting the following year.