Safari Rally

Stock Celica: 1986 GTS coupe
Email: hildejr@juno.com

This car was constructed in memory of The East African Safari Rally that ran for 50 years but has now been dropped from the World Rally Championship and as a tribute to Toyota's glory days of WRC domination. PLEASE BRING THEM BACK! (Too bad she isn't a 5th gen all-trac -my dream car.)

Original purchase- One 1986 Toyota Celica GT-S with blown engine; Rear window smashed out; Lots of small dings and major dents; Bald tires; Original '86 Toyota red now faded to orangey; and "Salvage" title.

Engine- Replaced with J-SPEC 3S-GE. First time I've tried anything like this. It turned out to be a big step up from changing my own oil. I did it in the back yard using the porch swing frame for an engine hoist.

Rear window- After many horror stories about how hard it is to do windows with out breaking them I had another personal first by replacing it with a quality "U-pull-it" part.

Body work- Again a first for me, I bought a big hammer and stock in the Bondo company. (Ok, maybe a second, I did use a broom handle on my Dad's Mitsubishi once back in Africa but that made it look a lot worse.)

Paint- Did it myself. First time I've tried real painting (not spray cans). Design very loosely based on Toyota's mid-80's rally schemes.

Rally accessories- “African rally lights” (The placement in front of rear view mirrors can be found in most African rallies.), and EAK rally logo in back window.

Next practical project- she needs new struts bad, push to start button for when the starter is acting up.

Next fun project- Bull bar (brush guard) with two more sets of lights, suspension lift, upgrade sound system from glued factory speakers.

This is my inspiration. 4th gen Celica in the '86 or'87 Safari Rally. Great shot with Mt. Kilimanjaro and the two massai.

’87 supra-Safari-88- 1988 Safari rally. Another fine example of what drives me.

This is my favorite picture in the world. Maybe you 5th gen'ers can get some ideas for your next mod. (bull bar, lights, snorkel?)

"For the Safari Rally, rally engineers convert their cars into something akin to rapid tanks. With the ability to breath while submerged beneath a surge of glutinous mud..." I stole that quote off a 1993 rally year-in-review video (probably misquoted-apologies).

6th gen-You guys too. How 'bout the spare tire on the back, mud flaps, or cabin air vent on the roof?