A recent Facebook post from Philippine motorsports legend and champion driver Dante Silverio brought back memories from the golden era of local racing. Sharing a photo of his former race car, the iconic #49 Toyota Celica, he wrote:

“Finally, it’s done. The iconic Holy Grail of the Toyota Celica will be ready for viewing at the Autometics Center Lounge. Watch for the date.”

This is no ordinary TA22 Celica. The #49 car was a factory-backed Toyota works race car brought in from Japan during the early 1970s to compete against race-prepped Ford Escorts, Mini Coopers, and Opel Manta’s.

More importantly, it cemented its place in Philippine motorsports history after winning the 1972 Greenhills Grand Prix, along with several other victories during its racing career.

Fresh from a complete restoration, the legendary Celica looks every bit the race car enthusiasts remember. It retains its signature wide fender flares, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, and original exterior trim pieces.

Under the hood sits Toyota’s famed 1.6L, 2TG twin-cam engine, paired with dual side-draft carburetors and a race-spec, side-exit exhaust system. Inside, period-correct details remain intact, including the racing seats, roll bar, hood vents, and classic JDM fender mirrors.

The car’s immaculate black paint is complemented by gold and red striping, color-matched with the front chin spoiler, rear wing, and iconic TOM’S wheels. Another detail longtime Toyota fans will instantly recognize is the TMSC decal on the front fender, representing the Toyota Motor Sports Club. Beyond racing, TMSC was also known for organizing roadside assistance operations for motorists traveling to Baguio during the Holy Week exodus.

The #49 Celica earned its legendary status on the streets surrounding Greenhills Shopping Center, roads we casually drive through today without realizing their racing history.

Organized by the Automobile Racing Association of the Philippines (ARAP), the Greenhills Grand Prix circuit stretched through the North Greenhills Subdivision and along Ortigas Avenue, from Wilson Street to just before La Salle Green Hills. The 3.2-kilometer street circuit featured 14 corners, while the service road in front of the Greenhills Commercial Center served as the pit lane.

It was on this very circuit where Philippine motorsport legends such as Dante Silverio, Pocholo Ramirez, and Arthur Tuason battled local and international competitors, many of whom drove Formula Three race cars. The Greenhills races ran from 1971 to 1974 before motorsport activities eventually moved to the BF Homes racetrack in Parañaque.

Seeing this historic Celica restored and preserved is more than just a nostalgic moment; it’s an important reminder of the rich heritage of Philippine motorsports.

Hopefully, this inspires the restoration of other iconic race cars from the era, such as Pocholo Ramirez’s #88 Celica, the legendary Wonderbug drag Volkswagen Beetle, the Nissan 240RS of Arthur Tuason, A Conge recreation perhaps? And the rally cars that once dominated local motorsport events during the 1970s.

What other classic Philippine race cars would you like to see restored and preserved for future generations of enthusiasts?