JH Restorations Restomods Classic '73 Celica to Perfection

Different Route

These days, we're starting to see more and more classic Japanese cars packing modern drivetrains and suspension bits. Sometimes, the builder sticks to the car's roots in terms of what powers their modernized machine. But in the case of this incredibly detailed '73 Celica constructed by JH Restorations, things went in a different, powerful route, as we learned from the car's feature at Super Street. 

Photos: Super Street

Strange Places

According to JH's co-owner Jesse Henke, the Celica was found sitting in a barn with no drivetrain. He and his brother Jordan envisioned building it into something of a Pro Touring drift car, but with a modern take. Thus, they chose to go the LS route by plucking a 5.3-liter V8 from a strange place - a 2007 Saab 97X. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Healthy Combination

The small-block has since been punched out to 5.7-liters and filled with forged DSS Racing FX pistons and Eagle rods for strength. The build was capped off with a host of Edelbrock parts, including E-CNC small port heads, Rollin' Thunder cam, a cross-ram intake manifold, and Pro-Flo XT throttle body. Breathing through a set of custom (and beautiful) Glease Manufacturing headers, the combination is good enough for a healthy 550 horsepower.

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Lightweight Drifter

Not too shabby for a car that tips the scales at a mere 2,600 pounds. But of course, no drift car can be called complete without an array of additional suspension mods. Up front, you'll find a double-wishbone setup with power rack and pinion steering. In the rear, JH sourced an 8.8-inch rear end and QA1 shocks. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Visual Appeal

Wilwood brakes now sit at all four corners, bringing this lightweight Celica to a halt in a major hurry. They're covered up by cool retro 15x10" American Racing wheels wrapped in sticky Toyo R888R rubber. The rolling stock is wide enough that it necessitated the use of fender flares on the Celica's body, which only adds to its visual appeal.

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Slightly Weathered

While many show builds these days resort to vinyl wrap to make a statement on the outside, that wasn't in the cards for this classic Toyota. But then again, neither was a big money paint job. Instead, JH kept the car's original hue, allowing Brightworks Auto Art to give it a unique livery and then clear coat the whole thing for a very cool yet slightly weathered race car appearance. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Unique Look

Since the car made its debut in Edelbrock's booth at SEMA, it also features a version of the parts company's cool retro logo on the sides, along with throwback JH script. Altogether, it's an extremely cool and unique look, which is exactly why it caught our attention in the first place. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Attention to Detail

Even the interior received a good bit of attention. In place of the boring original black threads, JH enlisted Nesic Upholstery to give the inside some character. They did exactly that thanks to Volkswagen-style plaid inserts and Replicate leather. And even though this is a race car at heart, the roll cage is removable in case you want to daily the Celica, too. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Supreme Craft

Looking at this amazing build, it's easy to think that JH probably has a lot of experience with classic Celicas. But in reality, they work on a wide variety of makes and models, from trucks to muscle cars to modern Japanese machines. But when you possess their high level of vision and eye for detail, transforming anything into a show vehicle can't be too terribly difficult.

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this JH Restoatrion classic Celica right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

For help with service of your car, check out the how to section of ClubLexus.com