Toyota Celica (first generation)The Celica is one of Toyota's longest-running sports car nameplates, remaining in production from 1970 to 2006. It spawned several particularly notable tuners' favorites, including the aforementioned GT-Four and the Supra, but the first-generation Celica deserves a separate mention for first establishing the Toyota name as one to watch for tuners.It took inspiration from leading American pony cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, borrowing styling cues from both. In sportier GT form, the similarities between pony cars and the Celica were even clearer, with the Japanese car likened by some to a shrunken muscle car. It didn't boast muscle car performance though, and far from it — in fact, the 20R engine at the heart of the sportiest Celica GT was shared with everyday models like the Corona sedan and Toyota's pickup line.It might not have been powerful compared to its American counterparts, but the Celica's shape and affordable starting price made it a big hit in Japan, being particularly popular among young drivers. Many of these drivers would add their modifications to the car, forming the basis for Japan's emerging tuner scene. While it may never have become as globally famous as later cars like the Supra, the original Celica's role in helping expand the appeal of tuning among Japanese drivers helped pave the way for those future icons to emerge.