Toyota RA21 Celica: Dean Hanano’s Rare 1974 JDM Classic Built to Thrill

Dean Hanano

1974 Toyota RA21 Celica 

Instagram: @dean_shoreline

Photographer: Marvin Recinos

Instagram: @Mr2mivin

Toyota RA21 Celica: From Go-Karts to Quarter Miles: A Lifelong Passion for Speed

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Dean Hanano has always been drawn to anything that moves fast. Go-karts, motorcycles, cars — if it gave him an adrenaline rush, he was into it. That passion only intensified when he got his driver’s licence and picked up a Honda CRX Si.

That CRX became a serious build. Dean fitted it with a Mugen nine-piece body kit, custom House of Kolor candy paint, dual Mikuni side-draft 44mm carburettors, a Mugen cam, a header, a fully built head, and an LSD in the transmission. The result? He became the first Honda CRX in the 13s in the quarter mile — a serious achievement that cemented his reputation in the import car scene.

After stepping away from racing for a number of years, the itch came back. This time, it came in the form of a Toyota RA21 Celica.

Family Roots and the Culture of Car Building

A Household Built Around Motorsport

Dean’s love of cars didn’t come from nowhere. His father was a committed car fanatic who raced go-karts well into his forties and owned sports cars right up until retirement. Growing up surrounded by brothers and cousins who all had modified cars, Dean was immersed in car culture from day one. By the time he got his licence and his CRX, he couldn’t wait to get wrenching.

Why the Toyota RA21 Celica?

Chasing a Dream Car

Dean had wanted a Toyota RA21 Celica for as long as he could remember. When the opportunity to acquire this RA21 came up, he didn’t hesitate — he scooped it up. The car arrived essentially as it sits today. Apart from swapping the wheels, Dean has kept the build largely intact, letting the car’s existing character do the talking.

And it has plenty to say. There aren’t many 1974 Celicas left in the world, and people regularly stop Dean to ask what it is when he’s out driving. The shaved, smooth silhouette gives it a clean, purposeful stance that turns heads — not just for its rarity, but for the sound of the built 18RG sitting under the hood.

Toyota RA21 Celica Under the Hood: The 18RG Engine Build

Performance Specs That Mean Business

The heart of this RA21 is a thoroughly built 18RG engine that backs up its looks with serious performance:

• Engine: 18RG
• Carburettors: Dual Mikuni 44mm
• Camshafts: Isky custom grind cams
• Pistons: JE oversize
• Head: Ported with oversize valves
• Head Gasket: Kameari
• Oil Pump: TRD
• Clutch & Flywheel: SPEC Stage 2
• Wiring: Wire tuck with MIL-spec connectors
• Cooling: KOYO aluminium radiator

Toyota RA21 Celica Exterior: Shaved, Subtle, and Stunning

Clean Lines with the Right Details

The exterior philosophy is all about restraint and intention. The charcoal grey paint works perfectly with the shaved bodywork and engine bay, giving the car a clean, uncluttered look. Key exterior details include:

• Tornado mirrors
• JDM smiley bumper turn signals
• Holley Retro LED headlights with amber high-beam lights
• Custom amber rear side markers
• T3 front coilover suspension
• 1976 Celica larger disc brakes
• Celica Supra rear axle

Toyota RA21 Celica Interior: Vintage Meets Purposeful

A Driver-Focused Cabin

Inside, the RA21 strikes a balance between classic style and functional intent:

• Upholstery: Mercedes pebble grain leather
• Steering Wheel: MOMO Retro
• Shift Knob: MOMO
• Seats: Recaro
• Gauge: Kameari tachometer

Shout Outs

Dean would like to give a special mention to the following:

• My crew @shorelineracing
• Brian Karasawa @briankarasawa
• @mr2mivin
• @gpsjulian
• Stance auto mag

Call to Action

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