Grandeur Motor Works 1980 Celica Convertible

TheDoctor · **Posted:** Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:01 pm

I am seeking members that have owned, do own, or know anything about the Grandeur Motor Works 2 seat Celica Sport Roadster. (As I have been told it was called)

I own a red 1980 example, ST configuration. Sadly the car has seen better days. It is in need of a new top. I had supposed I would need a good upholstery shop to create a replacement. I wonder however if the design pattern exists to assist them in doing so.

I am at a fork in the road with this car as I can't bear to see it sit and die of never being driven.

Before the tops condition rendered it impossible to drive daily, It was my primary transport. I replaced the celica rear axle, with a supra unit, which has disk brakes, and a stronger 7.5 inch ring gear diff. Also added the supra rear anti-sway bar, drive shaft, and parking brake bits to make it fit/function properly. All of it was a bolt-in affair.

The Celica product line lost me in 1986 when it went front wheel drive. It's just not the same. Too many traction trade offs.

I heard only 200 of these were made. I have talked to one guy who said he had one. Anyone else?

ArnieGT · **Posted:** Fri Feb 24, 2012 11:40 pm

you mean this:

or this?:

Derrick719 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:46 am

are you in alberta canada i saw one for sale some time ago on kijiji.

BoNouf · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2012 3:52 am

Doctor: would love to see some pics of it.. old or new

TheDoctor · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:34 am

Oh no, not the Griffith Sunchaser. There were thousands of those. I'm sure one would have more luck finding a top for that.

This is an early picture of my car, from the add when I bought it:

A more recent photo:

Changes include lowering the rear slightly, 1986 Celica GT seats, 1984 Celica GTS wheels(1.5 inches wider), 1980 Supra rear axle and sway bar, and a grant GT steering wheel.

I had 5 other 76-77 celica liftbacks through the years. Two drivers and three parts cars. One was wrecked and the others eventually rusted away.

Here's my old 77 I had up until a few years ago:

It was lowered considerably, had the rear fenders cut and tubbed out, also had a Supra axle with rear disk brakes, 14x7 inch Supra/GTS wheels, had a w58 transmission, twin weber dcoe side draft carbs, headers, and extra firm anti roll (sway) bars. As one can see the bumpers were removed for lightness and I blacked out all the chrome.

BoNouf · **Posted:** Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:04 pm

Very sweet ...both of them!

kingtoy · **Posted:** Mon Feb 27, 2012 6:59 am

This must have been a different and smaller coachbuilder. I had a Celica convertible of this generation that I bought from a friend a few years back. The one I had was a Griffith convertible though. Looks very similar to what you had.

1980Grandeur · **Posted:** Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:19 pm

I have a nice 1980 Grandeur, 27,000 original miles, but the board attachment quota has been reached. Any ideas? For Grandeur fans, this is a must see.

gus · **Posted:** Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:36 pm

I have one also, Dr, where are you in NC, I am in Charlotte myself!
Mine is yellow, I had to have my top custom made, no one makes a replacement!

you are welcome to join my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/groups/183373338401459/

it has some other pics of Supra and Celicas and Sunchasers as well
(anyone is welcome to join that is a fan of the 1st and 2nd Gen Celicas and Supras)

interesting you have one so close to me!
later
Larry (aka gus)

whit · **Posted:** Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:35 pm

I have a pic. of one from a NJ car show few years back.I will see if I can scan it and post. :tu:

TheDoctor · **Posted:** Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:39 pm

gus wrote:

I have one also, Dr, where are you in NC, I am in Charlotte myself!

Just south east of you. Monroe. I grew up in Charlotte. East Meck class of 86. Drove a 76 Celica liftback back then.

Grandeur Motor Works 1980 Celica Convertible

Who is online