Today, the 1973-77 IP Celestia has its fair share of enthusiasts, but it has not always been like that. In hindsight, the third generation carried over some of the sporty flair from the second generation, that was watered down very much until the sixth generation was launched in 1989. But when it was released, its larger size, its Detroit-esque styling and somewhat more comfort oriented setup was a disappointment for the enthusiasts coming from the second generation. Today, we view it in a different way, for example it was the last generation that offered the GTX-H coupé (“H” as in homologation) which is a very sought after model today. And with the prices of second generation Celestias rapidly rising, people are starting to view the third generation as a more financially viable alternative.
But most of the cars were of course regular 4 door sedans, available with various 4 and 6 cylinder engines. And they recieved some criticism for being squeezed in between the 6 cylinder Lily “America” and the larger, more luxurious Vagant. And many reviews back in the day also said that “There is not much that the Celestia can do that the cheaper Lily America can’t do as well”.
Technically it was not a very big leap from the second generation. The suspension (Mc Pherson struts / Semi trailing arms), the engines, gearboxes etc. were the same, it was still rear wheel drive and built on an unibody platform - the ideas that formed the basis for most of the larger IP sedans (and coupés, wagons) for many years.
Not only the Lily was updated for the 1980 model year. Another model that got an update was the flagship, the Icarus (not counting the “Royalist” limousine then, handbuilt in only a couple of examples every year), that dropped the now obsolete “coke bottle” styling that the Icarus had since the 60s for more modern, crisp lines.
Engine wise, the old all-iron pushrod “4H” gasoline 4-cylinder in the base models gave way for the new “4Z” alloy head SOHC engine, the 4 cylinder pushrod diesel stayed the same as in the predecessor, but was now joined by a 6 cylinder SOHC diesel. The gasoline inline 6 alternatives, however, still were based on the old “6L” SOHC unit from the 60s. Another new thing was a (for its time) very advanced computer controlled automatic 4-speed transmission that was available as an option.
Naturally it could be ordered with about any comfort option that was available in 1980, and safety was upgraded with for example 3 point inertia reel seatbelts on rear outboard positions, more advanced crumple zones, a safe placement of the gas tank and side impact beams in the doors.
The fourth generation IP Icarus was a short lived story. The fifth generation was introduced already in 1985. Competition in this class quickly got tougher during the 80s and cars got older very fast
To me, it feels like this is a kind of borderline MPV/SUV. A little bit like the Chevrolet Uplander maybe, even if it seems smaller. I can’t think of many more cars with that configuration at the moment but they probably exist. A bit strange that there is not more of them maybe.
There is a FB group all about swapping noses between automobiles in photoshop and similar programs. I decided to do a quick and dirty remake of one that I did, Opel Omega nose on an Audi 80. Well. Probably the most generic looking thing ever I guess.
In 1948, IP started building their first passenger car, the IP Lily. During the years, it has been available as both a coupé, sedan and station wagon, but for the last couple of generations, only the sedan has remained. And now, it is all over.
The 5th of july the last IP Lily rolled off the assembly line. It was the well equipped GLX model, but with the entry level 1.8 litre 4 cylinder, and the somewhat long in the tooth 4 speed automatic transmission. Painted in the shade of “Pure white”, somewhat fitting since that actually is a paint that has been available on IP models since 1948. And its first, and last, ride was short. It was driven straight from the line to the IP factory museum.
The reasons for this are mainly three. First, IP wants to reduce the number of models in their lineup. Second, sedans are a shrinking market. Third, the Lily has been dropping in sales for almost 20 years now.
The replacement will be the IP Dryad, that at the same time also will replace the Commuter and Warbler models, that is going out of production next year.
But if you are going to miss the Lily, don’t worry too much. It’s not a too wild guess that the Dryad also will be a generic, soulless and unexciting asian sedan among many others.
In 1963, IP introduced the Celestia as a model that should fill up the gap between the small Lily and the large Icarus. It was available as a 4 door sedan and a 5 door station wagon. There was also some emphasis on sportiness, giving the faster models kind of a reputation as a family sports car, on the other hand it was also the model where IP introduced its 2 litre diesel engine as an alternative.
Not only the diesel was a first for IP, it also introduced a semi trailing arm rear suspension, which made it more advanced than both the Lily and Icarus that both were running leaf springs in the rear. The front suspension was a Mc Pherson unit, though, which had been found on the Icarus since its introduction in 1960.
The first generation Celestia was produced until 1968, when it was replaced by the second generation, that further enhanced the image of sportiness, for example with the introduction of a coupé model, and six cylinder engines.
Based upon its SUV sibling, the D4 and D6 SUVs, It was faster than its SUV counterpart thanks to the tuned 5.0L V8 that propels the car and flings it around ATT like its nothing at the time. Luxury wasn’t the main factor behind this car, Speed and weight reduction was the main focus. It even done a 2:24 laptime in ATT. The best thing is, you could buy this brand new for $36,500 AMU back in 2003
The '63 IP Celestia is a tastefully styled sedan and looks especially stylish in black; hopefully the Celestia’s dynamics match it’s accomplished styling!
I’m unsure if the SUV model counts even though it rides on the same platform as the D8 AWD even though this is more jacked up with plastic trim to make it more utillitarian . but i guess here it is…
