1979 Mitsubishi Celeste

The first and most Asian sporty vehicle that I ever seen during 80’s, because of its 2 long door specification and hatchback with rear blinds sporty spoiler, pinoy teens use this as their proud asset to impress girls (“Daming Napasagot Nito”). Mitsubishi Celeste is a redefined vehicle and complemented by liftback coupe in the concept of Mitsubishi Lancer.

During 1980’s with the succeeding Mitsubishi Galant FTO that was also named as new Model of Mitsubishi Celeste or aka Colt Celeste in some markets; it was sold as Mitsubishi Lancer Coupe in Australia,  Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste in USA and Mitsubishi Arrow in Canada.

The Mitsubishi Celeste was originally available with 1.4  and 1.6 liter options, while a bigger 2.0 liter model was added in the latest models of 80’s. An even larger 2.6 liter four was available in USA in competition with Plymouth.

The Mitsubishi Celeste was face lifted in 1979, receiving shark front square headlights and bigger squarer bumpers. Production of the Mitsubishi Celeste and imports in Philippines ended in July 1981 and it was replaced by the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Cordia early 1982. However, because of Filipino enthusiast to Japanese cars they continued to remodel and modify the looks of Mitsubishi Celeste and still in use until today in the resell value at most 80,000php.