1986 Toyota Celica IMSA GTO For Sale in Scotts Valley, CA, 2146375649 Tweet

Click here to view high resolution photos IMSA GTO Championship Car Chassis 86T-002 One of only three built Championship collaboration between Dan Gurneys All American Racers and Toyota 19 Podium Finishes Seven 1st Places, Three 2nd Places, Nine 3rd Places Sold by Toyota to championship-winning driver Chris Cord Completely Mechanically Restored, including a completely new Engine Extensive Spares Package Est. 600 bhp. 2,090 cc turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, five-speed transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 99.4 in. In 1964, Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby, both legends larger than this space provides, founded All American Racers (AAR) with the backing of Goodyear tires. From the outset, these seasoned competitors pursued victory with vigor, and by 1970, when Gurney bought out Shelbys stake, AAR had won as a constructor in both Formula One and Indy Car. By the early 80s, the team had won in competitions around the world. Their history of success no doubt attracted Toyota, who was eager to build a racing program around the Celica, to promote the cars sporting credentials in the United States. While Toyota enjoyed prior success on the world stage in endurance racing and rallying, the most visible road racing series at the time was the IMSA GT Championship. In 1983, AAR and Toyota entered a partnership to compete in the series entry-level GTU class, and by 1985, they had won 10 races. Coinciding with the launch of the next-generation Celica, the decision was made to move up and compete in the GTO, or Grand Touring Over 2.5 liters, class. Here we must mention the framework of competition: the road going Celica was a front-drive compact car, but its competitors in GTO would be the Ford Mustang, Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro, as well as other such machines. This car, chassis 86T-002, was completed in July 1986 and built to, and beyond, the framework of the rulebook. At its heart was the legendary four-cylinder Toyota T engine, which, in various forms, saw duty in everything from Formula Two, Formula Three, Group B rally, and World Rally Championship competition. The GTO implementation made near 600 horsepower before IMSA-mandated restrictions were added. In a 1999 interview with Sports Compact Car, Gurney describes the IMSA GTO as being ...pretty good, a hairy motor. It was enough to get the job done! It is a Celica in name only. In truth, AAR built a tubular space frame machine that had a rear-drive chassis, a rear-mounted Hewland transaxle, and enough bodywork modifications to make a plastic surgeon blush. The car was primarily piloted by Chris Cord, who was well known in the racing world for his dominant performances on the track. Throughout his years of racing, Chris was able to provide his expertise and input to Toyota, refining the car to its best form. Everything from a revised suspension setup, a carbon fiber body and driveshaft, to a more robust gearbox, and aerodynamic improvements. After the program concluded in 1989, this car was sold directly by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. to their championship-winning driver Chris Cord. The 1986 Toyota Celica IMSA GTO represents an opportunity to own a championship-winning design that remained competitive until taking its very last checkered flag-not to mention one thats a rare example of a successful partnership between American engineering talent and Japanese muscle. Race History 7/27/1986 GI Joe Grand Prix Portland (D Aase) DNF (#98) 8/3/1986 Ford California Grand Prix (D Aase) 3rd Overall (#98) 8/24/1986 The Lowenbrau Classic 500 Miles Road America (R Moran & D Aase) 3rd Overall (#98) 9/1/1986 Lime Rock Park IMSA GTO (D Aase) 2nd Overall (#98) 9/20/1986 Kodak Copier 500 at Watkins Glen (D Aas