If you’re an automotive enthusiast or someone interested in high-performance vehicles, you might be wondering, What is the price of Supra Celica in India? Despite the confusion between these two legendary models, the Toyota Supra and the Toyota Celica (also known as the Toyota Celica Supra in earlier generations) are often conflated in the minds of Indian car buyers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both cars, their market status in India, and ultimately address the current and possible future prices of these vehicles, especially within the Indian automotive landscape.
Understanding Supra and Celica: Are They One and the Same?
To begin with, it’s important to clarify that the Supra and Celica are two distinct Toyota models, although they were closely linked during certain model generations.
What is the Toyota Celica?
The Toyota Celica is a long-standing sporty coupe model that was in production from 1971 to 2006. Known for its sleek styling and performance-oriented nature, the Celica was popular in markets like Japan, Europe, and the United States.
Fourth Generation Celica Supra:
The term “Celica Supra” specifically refers to the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, which was introduced from 1986 to 1993. During this time, Toyota rebranded the Supra as the “Celica Supra” in some export markets, causing the two names to merge in the public’s consciousness.
What is the Toyota Supra?
The Toyota Supra, particularly the A80 or MKIV generation (1993–2002), gained cult status globally, especially after being featured in the Fast & Furious franchise. The Supra was often associated with its 3.0L inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, and turbocharged power outputs, making it a favorite in the tuner scene.
Toyota revived the Supra nameplate in 2020 with the all-new GR Supra, a modern interpretation co-developed with BMW. However, the GR Supra has not officially launched in India.
Is the Toyota Supra or Celica Currently Available in India?
As of now, neither the Toyota Supra nor the Toyota Celica is officially available for sale in India.
Official Launch Status
Toyota does not import either of these models directly into India through its official dealership network. Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the company’s Indian arm, focuses on offering mainstream models like the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Glanza, and Urban Cruiser.
Why Toyota Doesn’t Sell Supra/Celica in India
There are several reasons for the absence of Supra or Celica in the Indian market:
- Low demand for niche sports coupes as compared to SUVs and sedans.
- High import duties and taxes that make performance cars financially unattractive.
- Toyota’s focus on comfort, utility, and reliability over sportiness in the Indian market.
- The dominance of Japanese rivals like Honda and Hyundai in the sporty compact segment.
Therefore, any Supra or Celica found on Indian roads is most probably an imported used unit or a custom-built right-hand drive version brought in privately.
What’s the Price of Toyota Supra in India?
Since the Supra isn’t officially sold in India, its price depends on the generation, condition, and where it’s imported from.
Toyota A80 Supra (MKIV – 1993–2002)
The A80 Supra is perhaps the most iconic and sought-after version. It features the 2JZ-GTE engine capable of producing 320 BHP in stock form. Enthusiasts often modify it further to deliver over 700–1000 BHP.
Estimated Price in India:
- Used A80 Supra (Imported from Japan/Australia/USA): ₹30 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore+.
- Prices depend heavily on condition, mileage, modifications, and whether the car is imported officially or through the grey market.
GR Supra (2020–Present)
Toyota’s latest GR Supra, co-developed with BMW, is a modern performance coupe equipped with a 3.0L inline-six engine (387 BHP) and a 2.0L turbo-four variant (258 BHP).
Due to its recent status and limited global availability, it’s not sold in India, and any units present are highly customized imports.
Estimated GR Supra Price in India:
- By Grey Import: ₹90 Lakhs – ₹1.3 Crore+.
- Prices vary based on engine variant, import duty, and intermediary costs.
How Much Does a Toyota Celica Cost in India?
The Celica has a much more modest fanbase in India due to its older profile and relatively lower performance compared to the Supra. It’s also not officially sold in India.
Celica Generations Relevant to the Indian Market
The 7th and 8th generations (1994–2000 and 2000–2006), especially the ST202 and ST204 models, are often found as imports.
Estimated Price of Used Toyota Celica in India:
Petrol Variant | Engine Capacity | Estimated Price (INR) |
---|---|---|
Celica ST models (1.6L–1.8L) | 1,600–1,800 CC | ₹5 Lakhs – ₹10 Lakhs |
Celica GT-Four, Turbo Models | 1,796–1,800 CC | ₹15 Lakhs – ₹22 Lakhs |
Prices may go higher if the vehicle is imported recently or has been restored/redesigned.
What Influences the Price of Supra and Celica in India?
Even if these vehicles aren’t officially sold, a number of factors determine what collectors or importers would charge in the Indian market.
1. Model Year and Mileage
Cars imported from Japan typically have low mileage and excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, which directly affects price.
2. Type of Import
If the car is grey market imported (without official approval), then it incurs higher duties (up to 100% on some models), transport costs, and documentation charges.
3. Engine Tuning and Modifications
A lot of iconic Supras and Celicas are highly modified, which can either add to their allure or limit their desirability, depending on the buyer.
4. Rarity of Particular Model
The MKIV Toyota Supra (A80) has a global cult following. In India, where such cars are rare, it often fetches a premium price when it resurfaces in ownership exchanges or auctions.
5. Car Condition and Authenticity
If the vehicle is “numbers matching” (engine and chassis code matching), the price can dramatically increase.
Where Are Supra and Celica Sold in India?
Since these cars aren’t found on showroom floors, buyers have to explore alternative markets.
1. Private Imports
Wealthy car collectors and importers bring in Supras and Celicas through parallel import channels. These units often come from Japan or the USA and sometimes ship through Dubai or other Gulf ports.
2. Heritage Car Auctions
There are occasional car auctions hosted by platforms like EzCura, MotorCzar, Indian Autos Blog Auctions, and others that feature vintage sports cars, including imports like Toyota’s performance coupes.
3. Used Car Platforms
Sites like OLX, GaadiWaadi, Sulekha, and CarDekho Used Cars sometimes list these iconic vehicles if imported and registered within India.
- Typically found in metros like Mumbai and Delhi.
- Might be sold as commercial vehicles or under non-official documentation.
Is It Worth Buying Supra or Celica in India?
While owning a Supra or Celica may be the dream of many classic car and tuning aficionados, it’s important to evaluate whether it’s a strategic and functional investment in the Indian context.
Pros of Owning a Supra/Celica in India:
- Unique vehicle with limited presence on Indian roads.
- High resale value in the retro car collector market.
- Potential for appreciation if maintained well.
Cons of Supra/Celica Ownership:
- Spare parts are not readily available.
- Servicing needs specialized mechanics or costly DIY replacements.
- Not built to Indian weather, road, or fuel conditions originally.
- Fuel consumption and comfort are not ideal for daily usage.
Alternatives to Supra and Celica in India
If you’re after a similar driving experience, here are a couple of vehicles officially available in India that echo some Supra/Celica traits:
Honda Accord (V6 Coupe)
- Offers a V6 engine, rear-wheel-like dynamics, and refined styling.
- Great for enthusiasts preferring a daily usable vehicle.
Mahindra XUV700 (Turbocharged SUV with Sporty Feel)
- Though an SUV, it offers a 2.0 petrol turbo engine with performance upgrades.
- Considered by enthusiasts who want an affordable yet powerful machine.
Kia Stinger
- Though not available officially in India, the Stinger is a rear-wheel-drive sport luxury coupe sedan with dynamic handling.
Future of Supra and Celica in India: Will It Ever Come?
As India’s automotive ecosystem evolves and performance car ownership sees gradual growth, Toyota might revisit the idea of introducing niche performance models.
However:
- High taxes on imported models discourage manufacturers from launching high-displacement sports cars.
- Toyota has not indicated any intent to bring in Supra or Celica (either generation) in the near future.
- BMW, with which Toyota shares the GR Supra platform, has shown no interest in marketing the car in India either, despite the success of its other models (like the X3/X5).
So, unless there’s a major shift in tax laws and consumer behavior, it’s unlikely Supra and Celica will come to India in an official capacity.
Conclusion: A Dream Worth Waiting For?
In conclusion, while the Supra and Celica remain highly desirable in Indian automotive circles, neither is available in the country officially. The Supra, especially the A80 generation, has a huge cult following and has appeared in a few grey market imports at stratospheric prices, sometimes touching ₹1 Crore. The new GR Supra, despite being a modern masterpiece, remains absent from Indian showrooms.
So, to answer the original question: What is the price of Supra Celica in India?
- A grey market A80 Supra can cost between ₹30 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore or more.
- The GR Supra could easily command prices in excess of ₹90 Lakhs if imported unofficially.
- A classic Celica may cost as little as ₹5 Lakhs to ₹22 Lakhs, depending on condition and model.
For those passionate about these classic performance coupes, the only path to ownership remains private imports, collector purchases, and the occasional heritage auction. While India may not be ready for the Supra or Celica quite yet, the demand within enthusiast circles signals that perhaps, one day, Toyota might consider changing that.
What is the current price of the Toyota Supra Celica in India?
As of now, the Toyota Supra Celica is not officially sold in the Indian market, which means there is no fixed or standardized price set by the manufacturer for this model in India. The Supra and Celica are distinct models, with the Supra having been revived in recent years as a high-performance sports car developed in collaboration with BMW. The Celica nameplate, on the other hand, has remained dormant since its discontinuation in the early 2000s.
In India, enthusiasts looking to acquire either model often resort to importing units through the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route or purchasing them second-hand through private imports. Due to fluctuations in import duties, exchange rates, and the rarity of the vehicle, prices can vary widely, typically ranging from ₹1.5 crores to over ₹3 crores depending on the variant, condition, and specifications. Prospective buyers should contact luxury car importers or specialized dealers for precise pricing.
Why is the Toyota Supra Celica not available officially in India?
The Toyota Supra Celica is not available as a combined model in India primarily due to market-specific strategies and regulatory requirements. Toyota has focused its lineup in India on mass-market and hybrid vehicles that appeal to a broader customer base and align with the country’s evolving emission norms and taxation policies. High-performance, niche vehicles like the Supra (especially previous-generation models) and the discontinued Celica do not fit into this strategy.
Moreover, the Celica was discontinued globally after 2006, making it an obsolete model. As for the new Supra, it has not been officially brought into India despite its contemporary appeal, mainly due to low demand forecasts and the vehicle’s high cost of compliance with local regulations. Toyota has opted not to prioritize such performance-oriented imports, leaving the demand for these cars to be met through unofficial or grey imports from overseas markets.
What factors affect the price of a privately imported Toyota Supra or Celica in India?
The price of a privately imported Toyota Supra or Celica in India is influenced by several key factors. The base cost of the vehicle in its country of origin, often Japan, the US, or the UK, forms the foundation. Additional costs such as shipping, customs duties, and registration charges significantly inflate the final price. Custom duties can range from 60% to over 100% depending on engine displacement, age, and engine power, which are particularly heavy for cars imported as luxury or performance vehicles.
Further influencing the price are insurance costs, taxes levied by the Indian government (like GST), and the vehicle’s condition, trim level, and historical significance. Rare or well-maintained models, especially limited editions or low-mileage imports, tend to draw higher premiums. The involvement of third-party import agents also adds layers of cost, as specialized services for import clearances, vehicle modifications for compliance, and local registration are often required before the car can legally be driven on Indian roads.
Can I customize or upgrade a Toyota Supra or Celica after importing it to India?
Yes, once imported, it’s possible to customize or upgrade a Toyota Supra or Celica in India, but the scope and feasibility depend on several factors. Many dedicated car enthusiasts import parts from Japan, Europe, or the US for aesthetic modifications, engine upgrades, or performance tuning. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any modifications made do not violate the norms set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India.
For instance, extensive engine modifications or illegal visual enhancements (like underbody neon lights or excessively loud exhaust systems) can lead to complications during annual inspections or registration renewal. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult RTO officials or professionals familiar with Indian motor vehicle laws before undertaking any major changes. Some high-end tuning shops in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore specialize in imported supercars and provide legal yet sporty upgrade paths for such rare imports.
Are there any legal requirements to import a Toyota Supra or Celica to India?
Importing a Toyota Supra or Celica to India requires adherence to a strict set of regulations and documentation. The vehicle must comply with the customs and motor vehicle act under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Importers must ensure that the vehicle meets Bharat Stage VI emission norms and passes the necessary homologation procedures. Import duty is also substantial, especially for cars with engine capacities above 3000cc.
In addition to the customs and taxation requirements, the process involves securing an Import Export Code (IEC), completing relevant documentation such as a Bill of Lading, and registering the car under the appropriate category with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The car must be registered as a non-commercial vehicle and must pass inspection for roadworthiness. These requirements can be complex and time-consuming, which is why many importers choose to work with professional customs clearance agents who specialize in luxury or vintage car imports.
Is it worth importing a Toyota Supra or Celica to India considering the high cost?
Whether it’s worth importing a Toyota Supra or Celica depends on the individual buyer’s passion for classic or performance cars and their financial readiness to bear the high cost of ownership. For car enthusiasts or collectors, the thrill of driving or owning an iconic piece of automotive history can justify the expense. The Supra, especially the fourth-generation A80 variant, holds cult status worldwide and commands a strong price in the collector’s market, making ownership something of a long-term investment.
However, practical ownership considerations such as high maintenance costs, limited spare parts availability, restricted dealership support, and challenges in servicing are real issues in India. Additionally, the fuel efficiency of such vehicles may not be aligned with Indian road and traffic conditions. Therefore, while emotionally rewarding, importing a Supra or Celica is best reserved for dedicated collectors or passionate drivers who can afford the luxury of high-value, niche car ownership without expecting everyday usability or cost-effectiveness.
Where can I find a Toyota Supra or Celica for sale in India?
In India, Toyota Supra and Celica models are not available through standard dealerships or online car marketplaces. However, a few private sellers, classic car dealers, or import specialists occasionally list such vehicles, especially in metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi. Platforms like OLX, CarTrade, or specialized forums such as Team-BHP may feature listings for imported Supras or rare Celicas, but such opportunities are infrequent and highly sought after.
Prospective buyers can also explore global auction sites or Japanese used car portals and coordinate with Indian customs agents to facilitate importation. Some high-end car importers specialize in bringing in vintage or rare sports cars and can help source a Supra or Celica based on buyer preferences. Due to the rarity of these cars and their high import costs, buyers should exercise caution, conduct thorough inspections, and ensure the authenticity and legal compliance of the vehicle before purchasing.