Even a decade after its introduction, the impact of the first scrappage scheme is still being felt, with swathes of interesting old cars having been wiped off our roads forever. Actually, that's not strictly true, because it was probably all the subsequent (and ongoing) scrappage schemes which really did it, eager customers only too willing to get cash off a new, shiny car in exchange for their old hunk of junk.
It's easy to understand the popularity of the idea, but it's played havoc with the classic car market. Because so few old cars now apparently exist, every man and their dog assumes their vehicle is a rare and desirable classic, when once upon a time it would have just been another run-of-the-mill supermini or saloon. It could be of some interest, yes, but only because you haven't seen one in ages - not necessarily because it was ever any good.
A corollary of that has been that the genuinely good old cars are now worth loadsa money, meaning the joy of finding a usable, interesting, well maintained classic has become much more of a mission. Of course it's been said plenty since 2009, but we really were spoilt by the availability of affordable classics in the 2000s.
Want proof? Look on PH for something from the 1980s for less than £7,000. Escort, Golf and 205 Cabriolets, an Astra 1.3 Celebrity, old Volvos, front-engined Porsches that have been to the moon and back... there's precious little to get excited about, really. But then there's the Celica.
Yep, this 1987 GT-i 16 is for sale at £4,995. Those that want the 80s aesthetic will be happy - pop-up lights, two-tone paint, Blue Herringbone velour - those that want a usable classic will be happy - loads of history, sensible mileage, good condition - and those that want something fun will be happy. This isn't a GT-Four, granted, but this is still a 150hp, lightweight coupe with a manual gearbox, a redline at 7,000rpm and 130mph potential.
Of course, as a car that's 33 years old next year, this Celica isn't something to throw around like a new GT86, but we are now reaching a point where classic cars exist that are way more resilient than those just a few years older. This was the time that the Japanese were really establishing themselves on the global car scene - this model on sale just two years before the first NSX and the R32 Skyline GT-R - and the obsession with durability and over-engineering is paying dividends even now. Put it this way: would you rather attempt a journey this weekend in a Celica from the late 80s, or the Ford Capri of a similar mileage and vintage that's a bit more expensive?
And although there will be those that suggest the 1980s is far too modern to be considered classic, think of everything that this Spotted represents that has now been abandoned: front-wheel drive coupes are no longer a thing, in fact sports cars from mainstream brands are rare, and you'll do well to find an atmospheric 2.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox. The closest parallel, handily enough, is with a GT86. Albeit powering the other wheels.
So while the Celica won't be the fastest, most exotic or most prestigious car at the café meet, it does go to show that intriguing classics are still available at sensible enough money. Now more than ever it's a tough job, yes, but if you look in the right places it can be a rewarding one too.
SPECIFICATION - TOYOTA CELICA GT-I 16
Engine: 1,998cc, four-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 156@6,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 137@4,800rpm
MPG: 30 or so
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1987
Recorded mileage: 105,000
Price new: c. £12,000
Yours for: £4,995
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