2002 Toyota Celica GT - Fresh Ambition

On The OutsideWith the exception of a few components of the frame and exterior body panels, every inch of this car was upgraded. The evidence of that level of modification is that it's hard to tell what kind of car it started out as. "I was the first person on the East Coast to use the Japanese widebody kit. The ABG wheels were custom made and also imported from Japan," Colello says. He also added APR GT-300 front and rear bumpers with a carbon-fiber spoiler in the rear and carbon-fiber front and back splitters and custom lift-off hood. Many exterior aspects of the car were shaved off, including the antenna, door handles, sunroof, rain gutters, rear wiper and license plate.

Tech

From the vehicle's beginning five years ago it was designed to be the perfect car. With the combined talent of Fishman, Town Sound and Colello's eye for a car's custom potential, this Celica won two show circuits in one year. And if not for a technical problem at Trifecta in Myrtle Beach, SC, Colello would've made the Finals at SEMA. It was DUB's Best Tour Vehicle and the NCCA's Most Consistent Vehicle, due in no small part to the number of shows it was brought to-35 last year (10 of those shows he was not allowed to compete in). The effort wasn't wasted on judges across the nation; it also won 15 Best of Show awards along with 103 specialty awards. "I won over $60,000 this year; every cent went to my mom to pay her back for all the money she's lent me over the years," Colello exclaims. "I wouldn't have been able to do this if it wasn't for her support. Thanks mom!"

DriverPerfect results can only be achieved by starting with the proper foundation-a fundamental rule that applies to all sorts of construction, from office buildings and bridges to show cars. As an architecture student from Harrisburg, PA, Peter Colello is well aware of that fact. He was in the market for a car to modify and he liked the style of the '02 Celica GT, knowing it would make for an ideal show car foundation. He started modifying whenever his wallet would allow. Like an addictive video game that he couldn't resist playing, Colello couldn't satiate his urges to further customize and modify his new Celica. He started doing more in-depth mods that required more money, research and planning. Studying full time, Colello was lacking sufficient funds and began borrowing money from his mom whenever he knew he couldn't afford the bills that piled up. "I have a really close relationship with my mom. She understands and shares my passion for competition," he said. "She's a regular on the show circuit with me, anyone who knows me knows my mom." Eventually, he contacted companies for potential sponsorships to help alleviate the high costs of quality parts. Even with his sponsorships, Colello has spent over 10 times the car's original value to get the Celica to this level of custom, but he feels that it was worth every penny. "I learned a lot about installing, met amazing people at all the shows, and I get to spend more time with my mom. I'm excited to start my next car and do it all over again. Of course, my next car will be even crazier than this one," he said.

WheelsABG forged custom wheelsFront: 19" x 8.5"Rear: 19" x 10"

TiresFalken 19"

SuspensionHotchkis camber link kit, TRD Coilover Suspension Kit

Fishman also installed amps in the ceiling, four Lanzar HRW 1540 15-inchers in the back and did all the original fiberglass panels, which were torn up during the theft. For the rebuild, Colello wanted to repair the damage and add as many TVs as possible to the already packed system. Other than that, he left Kitching pretty much alone in the design process. "I liked the Fishman install," Kitching reveals, "so I tried to add with that in mind." He did such a good job that you can't tell which parts were the first build and which were the second.

BrakesFront: Polished Rotora four-piston calipers and polished 11.2" Rotora slotted rotorsRear: Polished GTS rear disc conversion kit

ExhaustMagnaflow exhaust tip