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Denis Bell is a name many members will recognise from his
articles in the TEC topics magazine, and is a stalwart of the
Toyota scene in Northern Ireland. Denis was a key member and
salesman of the first NI importer Neville Johnston (Garages)
Ltd., back in the memorable summer of 1966. Here's a feature on
his recollections from selling of the TA22GT and his own rare 1975 model: -
"Sales in the UK of the earlier 22 in GT form were very slow and
survivors are rare. Buyers found the price hike of around 20% on
the just under £2000 ST a lot of money for a power increase of
only 11 bhp on the standard ST and to some purchasers the
cheaper derivative actually looked more luxurious. By 1974/5 the
ST featured attractive cloth upholstery and a coach line on the
front guards while the GT stayed with vinyl and a transfer low
down on the doors. |
Gleaming JKC in original spec copper
metallic, having a 'rest' at home. |
Mosney show, Co. Meath 2000. JKC in pride of place at the first
get together of Irish TEC members. |
Toyota (GB) also, seemed rather apathetic only offering the GT
in two colours, Copper or White and a two page black and white
brochure contrasted with the glossy colour production for its
cheaper brother. No accurate figures seem to exist for numbers
officially imported into the UK but it seems may be as low as
100. But as with many Classic cars it is often a lack of
commercial success when new that adds to their rarity and
desirability to-day. The early TA22 GT is now one of the most
sought after of all Celicas. My own TA22 GT - JKC 873P
The car was bought in 1991 from a Club member in the Liverpool
area and was apparently quite well known to early Club members.
When purchased I think a fair description of the car would have
been "good/average" condition, and largely original. An
immediate decision was taken to undertake a moderate scale
rebuild with originality a key factor. |
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Even then it was clear that few if any of the small number of
other UK survivors were in original trim. The sporting nature of
the car encouraged modifications including change of engine,
wheels, seats, colour and so on. Again 15 years ago it was clear
that parts availability was getting more difficult and we
quickly obtained parts as and when needed. JKC received new front guards and
door-skins while most of the external mouldings and badges were
replaced including the distinctive bonnet top vents. Try
obtaining those today! The car was repainted out of the brighter
339 (an ST colour) into the correct slightly darker 338 Copper
specific to a UK spec. GT. The original sport wheels were
repainted in the correct mid - grey. |
Lining up for a snowy driving test. Boxing day Rally 2001. |
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JKC among the Donegal Hills. |
Turning to the interior and even in the early nineties
replacement trim was unobtainable. But then one of the main
reasons for joining a Classic Car Club, which I promote to any
prospective members for our Toyota Enthusiasts Club is the
invaluable help and experience of existing members. Thanks to
early model Celica stalwarts Bob Clark, Malcolm Graham - Jones
and Harvey Wade good second hand parts were located to fit an
original single band AM radio, door trims without speakers,
plastic trims for the footwells and a source to re-cover the
leather steering wheel - not cheap! Still need an un - cut
drivers door inner trim and seat back in ivory if anybody has
one? (See Denis's contact details in the Contacts page.) |
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So today I have a tidy and useable Celica. It is unlikely to win
a Concours award but as the re - paint has aged over the last
twelve years presents (and there is a body of opinion in the Old
Car World that this is the way to go) the appearance of a well
maintained old car as opposed to a re - build that resembles a
giant Airfix kit. It does around 2000 miles a year attending
Club events, occasional drives on a nice day and can serve as
everyday transport as it did for a month last year to fill the
gap between the sale of my everyday 205 Celica and its 230
Series replacement. It also gets an opportunity to stretch its
legs on the occasional semi - competitive Classic Rally." |
JKC Competing on a manoeuvring test - Circuit of Ireland
Retrospective Rally October 2003. |
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With thanks to Denis Bell for supplying both words and pictures. |
Any club member who has a notable car they would like to see
featured, please contact us. If you would like to feedback
or have any further info about this featured car, why not
drop us a line in the
TEC Club Forum? |
