This V12 Celica Features a Feature That Will Drive BMW and Supra Owners Crazy | Carscoops

      A customized 1976 coupe has been outfitted with an engine from a Toyota Century and a ZF automatic transmission that has been modified to accommodate a manual clutch pedal.

      22 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Attacking The Clock Racing has installed a Toyota Century V12 engine into a 1976 Celica.

      The modifications include center-lock hubs, precision-machined velocity stacks, and an air suspension kit.

      The ZF8HP automatic transmission features a clutch pedal, enabling clutch-kick drifts.

      Restoring an iconic vehicle is one thing; reinventing it with a powerful V12 is an entirely different endeavor. Toyota has recently hinted at reviving the Celica with a new, highly tunable turbocharged inline-four.

      However, some Toyota enthusiasts remain more enthusiastic about the original Celica that launched 55 years ago, dreaming of even wilder modifications. How wild? Consider fitting a V12 into a space that previously housed a four-cylinder. That sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

      Related: The Toyota GR Celica May Hide Its Engine in an Unexpected Place

      The first generation of the Celica was Toyota's response to the Ford Mustang, but scaled down for the import market, both in terms of wheelbase and engine size. It was produced from 1970 to 1976, initially released as a coupe, followed by a fastback body style a couple of years later.

      Fifty years later, it's not unusual to see modified versions with chin spoilers, fender flares, and wide wheels, and there has even been one featuring a Honda S2000 engine. But nothing compares to this build from Florida's Attacking The Clock Racing.

      A Century V12 in Place of a Four

      Shawn Bassett from ATC originally intended to install a Lexus LFA V10 but opted for a V12 from a Toyota Century limousine after struggling to source the V10. The V12 has been tuned to yield 700 hp (707 PS) and can rev up to 10,000 rpm, featuring 12 velocity stacks with intricately machined bells that extend through the hood, paired with a modern ZF8HP automatic transmission that has unique modifications.

      Eight Speeds and a Clutch Pedal

      The ZF8HP is used in numerous modern vehicles from Toyota, BMW, and other manufacturers, including the Supra and M2. However, those vehicles do not come with a clutch pedal in their automatic configurations. This one does.

      Bassett explains that it's feasible to manually control the clutch packs of the ZF transmission via a standard pedal, allowing for engine revving while stationary or enabling clutch-kick oversteer, similar to driving a manual vehicle. When a more relaxed driving style is preferred, it can be operated like a regular automatic.

      The meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the build, showcasing exposed and painted carbon components, vintage BBS E55 racing wheels secured to custom-made center-lock hubs, and a pushrod rear suspension conversion visible through the rear parcel shelf.

      Classic Review: A 1976 Toyota Celica Restomod Will Renew Your Affection for JDM

      Aesthetically, it features a tasteful combination of British Racing Green paint, tan leather, custom Speedhut gauges, and carbon bucket seats from Tillett Racing, which collectively lend an air of sophistication to what could have easily become a purely track-oriented project.

      This Celica build isn't new; it first appeared at SEMA 2024 last November. It somehow flew under our radar at the time, but we felt it deserved more attention as we look ahead to what this year's SEMA show will showcase.