Worst “Special” Editions Ever? The Tercel Hawks.

For some reason, Toyota decided to make not one, not two, but three special edition Tercel variants in the late 90s.  Given Tercel was the predecessor to the Yaris and occupied the lowest position in the lineup, special editions may seem strange; but these were really what we call ‘buzz’ cars, designed to offer a value and help generate interest toward the end of a lifecycle.

For your viewing pleasure and gathered together for the first time, Oddimotive is proud to present the Tercel Hawks: Black Hawk, White Hawk and Red Hawk. As with barn finds, we like to leave photos just like we found them – even if sideways.

So, here we have one each of the “special” Tercels.  It seems the “hawk” editions got alloy wheels (long gone on this Black Hawk example), a decklid spoiler, more color matching than on a base Tercel and, most importantly, decals!  Air conditioning might also have been included.

Of the three for sale here, the Red Hawk appears to be in the best condition, has the lowest miles and has the seller most serious about making a decent ad and selling a car.  Of course, we recommend you, the Tercel enthusiast, snap up all three to make a complete set.  You may never again find all three for sale at the same time.  The buyer will need to find a set of original alloy wheels for the Black Hawk, but I’m sure there’s a massive collector community to help out.

Click for Craigslist ad #1 (Black Hawk)
San Bernardino area,CA
$1,100

Click for Craigslist ad #2 (White Hawk)
Dover, DE
$1,600

Click for Craigslist ad #3 (Red Hawk)
Dunkirk, NY (way upstate)
$3,150

Here, it just looks like any (sideways) Tercel with custom wheels.

But, here’s the Black Hawk proof – the decal in front of the rear wheel well.

Look closely and you can see the decal on this lovely White Hawk, too.

Finally, the cream of this crop, the Red Hawk.  It was always hardest to see the gold decal on these.  Note the same alloys as on the White Hawk – it appears these are the real deal.

You might notice a hint of decal here.  Note the same spoiler as seen on the Black Hawk and White Hawk, above.

There it is!

Tercel collectors will love the Monroney label included with this car!

Seller didn’t roll down the window for the image, but you can see the lovely automatic shifter here.  That was surely an expensive option on the Tercel.

Ad text #1:

Have a 1997 Toyota Tercel , I only used it for Work going to and from . But a couple months ago I blew the head gasket , but Since i have 2 jobs I need a new car soon. The Back window has been broken since I bought the car. , (Kid’s Broke it). Just bought new tires , Got new Shocks , New axle , New Timing Belt , New Water Pump , New Battery. Gas Saver 32mpg , 40 Highway….Real Buyer’s Only , OBO

Ad text #2:

I’m selling my 1997 Toyota Tercel White Hawk Edition. It has a little over 215,000 miles. Runs and drives great, tires are about 50%. Auto trans, am/fm pioneer radio, cd player does not work. rear window defrost. The a/c works when it feels like it. Burns/leaks a little oil (if you have a Tercel with over 200k on it that isn’t leaking, you need to check the oil, lol). New alternator, quiet exhaust. Great first car. Gets 35-40 MPG. Has dents and dings but in good shape for a car it’s age.

Ad text #3:

Clean, Rust Free, Southern Car, with Low Mileage, and only 1 previous owner.
This was a new car trade-in by original owner, with only 85,000 miles on it. Runs Excellent with a gas sipping 1.5L double overhead cam 4 cylinder engine, and automatic transmission rated @ 29mpg city, and 34mpg highway, this car will pay for itself in gas $ savings alone!
It has the special “Red Hawk” pkg. which was a $2800 option that included color matched bumpers, alloy wheels w/larger tires, rear wing, and Air Conditioning to mention a few.
Brand New Set of 4 matching Tires on aluminum wheels.
New Blower motor – provides toasty warm heat for the upcoming cool nights, and ice cold AC for our beautiful late summer afternoons.
*No Rust*- undercarrige is so clean it still has the original exhaust system in great shape!
*Needs nothing*- detailed and ready to just jump in and drive anywhere. I have had it up to 80mph on the Thruway and it’s rock steady, steers straight, and handles perfectly. Typically a car this age should have at least another 100,000 miles on it, so w/the low miles, body condition, and care it’s been given you will be at least 10 yrs. ahead of the game, (like a 5-6 yo car) and get many more care free miles to come. After all, we all know Toyotas nearly run forever! I think the new owner will be very pleased his smart economical choice.
If seriously interested, it is registered, on the road and can be test driven by appt. Please call. Thanks


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