Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota Ceica GT Liftback

I have something of a fetish for Japanese cars; it's almost like I effectively seek them out--or try to anyway. In this state, it's hard. The history of Japanese vehicles in the 'states hasn't been very kind. Rust plagues them, then ricers. If I do see an "old" Japanese car, it's likely a neglected fliplight Accord that somehow hasn't earned enough rust to go to U-Pull-It yet-- or perhaps its and old Nissan Hardbody still earning its keep doing odd jobs all the while fight off its imminent rust issues.
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for Japanese sports cars-- or maybe it is, since I very rarely see them and post them here. But, for as long as I can remember, I have always liked the three mainstays in the JDM sportscar wars-- the Mazda RX-7, the Nissan Z-Cars, and Toyota's Celica/Supra lineup.
I rarely see pre Mark III Supras and Celica, but apparently a slight few still exist in the rustbelt. I've spotted this relatively faded Celica GT too many times to count, and even a few since these pictures were shot. Unlike most examples of the breed, this car hasn't been modded, nor has it succumb to the eventual rust bug that will likely eat this car alive. What we have here is a clean, possibly daily-driven early 1978 or 1979 model. In Japanese car terms, that's a long time to live, especially in Minnesota. I usually don't see cars of this vintage, let alone cars that I love so much, so to say I was ecstatic would an extreme understatement.
On first glance, the paint and bodywork appear tattered, but after a close examination, it appears all it needs is a thorough clean-up. Nothing is broken, the trim is intact, and there are no rust spots to ruin the clean lines of this future classic coupe. What is apparent, though, is those godawful mandated bumpers ruin the car. I'd rather have this thing with slim, chrome pieces instead. One thing I definitely like is the window louvers; never have I see a car looks so period without look the least bit trashy. Again, I commend the owner for keeping this thing in its original taste, and not bowing down to the various aftermarket companies who churn out often-tasteless drivel that various enthusiasts slap onto their once-awesome classics.
This is a great example of a Celica, but also it serves to remind the younger generation where their hero cars came from. Forgot the FWD turd of the late 1990s and early 2000s, this is where the Celica legend started. And to me, these were the last good ones until the All-Trac and GTS came around to show ya who the boss was.