Hyundai Coupe Inspired by Toyota Celica: A Unique Rally Car Impersonator
The Tojota Celika: A Hyundai Coupe with a Twist
The Toyota Celica GT-Four rally car is known for its iconic liveries in motorsports history. It has inspired many fans to customize their own vehicles in homage. However, it seems that the famous Castrol livery isn’t exclusive to Toyotas. A Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) from the Czech Republic has been transformed into a unique rally car impersonator, sporting the iconic green and red colors.
The Creation of the Tojota Celika
Adam Rejl, the mastermind behind this creation, assembled the Tojota Celika for the GumBalkan Rally, a gathering for budget-friendly clunkers. Starting with a 2001 Hyundai Coupe, which shares similarities in styling and proportions with the Toyota Celica, Adam gave the vehicle a fresh coat of paint and added custom stickers to complete the knockoff look. The addition of DIY wing extensions and a roof box adds a touch of “race car” and practicality to the coupe.
A Unique Lift and Chassis Modifications
To mimic the elevated stance of rally cars, Adam placed tennis balls in the springs, resulting in a 2-inch lift. This modification, known as the “Wimbledon Package,” gives the car a bouncy ride. The Hyundai Coupe also received grippy tires, two spares mounted on the rear deck, and underbody protection to withstand the challenging conditions of the GumBalkan Rally.
Performance and Durability
Under the hood, the Tojota Celika retains its original naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 111 horsepower. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Despite its age and mileage of 245,000 km (152,200 miles), this budget-friendly coupe has proven its durability. The “turbo” lettering on the engine cover is purely for aesthetic purposes.
About Adam Rejl
In addition to the Tojota Celika, Adam Rejl owns a 2020 Nissan 370Z Nismo and a 1984 Porsche 944. Follow his adventures on his Instagram profile.
