Yaphet Demond Benton was in the market for a Celica at the same time Toyota decided to discontinue the model because of slowing sales. If that wasn’t enough to scare away the average buyer, Benton didn’t find much reason to celebrate when he called around and located the last new Celica in Virginia. The problem was that it was white and he wanted a black one. But for a true customizer, everything is subject to change. So Benton, intent on the body style, purchased the 2005 Toyota Celica GT. After a while, even the white grew on him.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of the tuner community, but never had the right platform to build on before my Celica,” Benton said.
While for many the credit card might be a quick means to reach competition form, Benton exercised restraint. He vowed to himself not to make any purchase unless it was in cash. He also undertook most of his own modifications where he was competent, but left the larger, more complicated projects to PTuning in Manassas.
| Stats box |
| » Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder |
| » Performance: Progress Technology lowering springs, Tanabe strut bar, Invidia exhaust system, Injen short ram air intake, Optima Yellow Top battery |
| » Wheels: Enkei PKR wheels with Goodyear Eagle GT tires |
| » Exterior: ED Vader SE body kit, VIS carbon fiber hood (custom painted), tinted windows, Sparco hood pins, white LED parking lights |
| » Interior: Panasonic touch-screen media player, custom fiberglass subwoofer box, custom-painted center console, Sparco shift knob, Sparco pedals, custom floor mats, blue LED interior lighting |
Benton started with the basics. He upgraded the air intake and installed an aftermarket exhaust. Then he swapped out the stock rims for Enkei PKR wheels. He tinted the windows to keep prying eyes from seeing what he was keeping inside. However, after multiple repair orders from local police, he changed the tint to a more transparent shade.
Benton saved his money, then bought new headlight and taillight bezels, a carbon-fiber hood and a stylish body kit. On the performance end, his pennies went toward a strut bar to keep the frame from buckling, and lowering springs to plant the car close to the road.
The inside of the car was finished off with a Panasonic touch-screen media player, a custom fiberglass 12-inch subwoofer box and a custom-painted center console. Benton looked to racing company Sparco to provide interior upgrades including new pedals and a performance shift knob.
While many customizers gloat over their one-of-a-kind custom build, not everyone can be just as proud to be debt-free once the project is finished. Benton achieved both goals.
What do you drive? A 2005 Toyota Celica GT.
Why do you drive it? I drive it because of the engineering and design of the car. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery.
What makes this car so special? This was the first car I truly fell in love with and bought without the assistance of my parents. I just wish it was a little faster, but I’m looking at options to improve that.
What was the most memorable driving experience in your car? I had an old guy in Blackstone, Va., ask me if my car was a spaceship. I know he wasn’t serious, but it’s pretty obvious cars like mine are scarce in that area.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? A mix CD of rap, R&B, and trance.
What was the first car you owned? It was a green 1993 Ford Escort GT.
And your first ticket? What was it for? I think it was back in 1996 in Baton Rouge, La. I was running late for a party, so I quickly drove myself into a speeding ticket for 35 mph over the speed limit. The party was worth it, though!
