1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Group A Rallye

From its inception, the World Rally Championship was, for almost two decades, the exclusive domain of European marques from Alpine-Renault, Lancia, Fiat to Ford UK, Audi and Peugeot.

But in 1990, the script was re-written when Japan finally broke through with what went on to become the most successful rally car ever from the land of the rising sun – the Toyota Celica GT-Four.

This lightweight, turbocharged, all-wheel drive rocket debuted in 1988 and through three evolutions – ST165, ST185 and ST205 – was Toyota’s frontline fighter for a decade. 

In that time, between a total of nine drivers, the GT-Four scored 30 WRC victories with Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and of course, legendary Frenchman Didier Auriol behind the wheel of the Castrol liveried ST205 that spearheaded the arcade game ‘Sega Rally Championship 1995’. 

The last and most potent version of the Celica GT-Four was the ST205. Today, almost 30 years later, it’s the most desirable of all the GT-Fours as well because out of the box, the ST205 was purpose-built and rally ready that had to be converted for road use, and not the other way around like previous models. 

Fitted with the third generation 3S-GTE engine and producing a whopping 300hp, this homologation masterpiece featured an all-aluminium bonnet with twin bulges housing the all-new Super-Strut suspension and auxiliary bonnet scoops, an improved CT20B twin-entry turbocharger and four channel ABS.

Toyota was also the first to introduce the ALS (anti-lag system), a feature that would be later adopted by other teams in the WRC and although at the time proved controversial, FIA president Max Mosley called it “the most sophisticated device I’ve ever seen in 30 years of motor sports”.

The car available here is a totally original, superb condition, Australian delivered 1994 Toyota Celica ST205 GT-Four ‘Group A Rallye’ in Storm Blue. One of just 77 ever sold here new this is car number 14.

Travelled just 47,000 original Kilometres, this once in a blue moon find has thankfully avoided any Fast and Furious treatments for the entirety of its life and is accompanied by its complete original book pack displaying strict maintenance from day dot.

A legend of the Australian Rally Championship and one of its most successful competitors, the ST205 secured second place at its debut event, the 1994 Rally of Canberra. With Neal Bates at the helm, the ST205 then went on to dominate the 1995 season, winning nine rallies including eight rounds of the Australian Rally Championship and Targa Tasmania, solidifying the GT-Fours place in Australian motorsport folklore.

As part of FIA homologation requirements, a limited run of just 77 Australian delivered ST205 GT-Four’s fell into the hands of lucky WRC enthusiasts down under, featuring an all-leather interior, rear spoiler risers, commemorative plaque mounted on the dash and unique ‘Group A Rallye’ badging.

Car number 14 was originally delivered new to Toyota Australia as a press car. Its then first private owner kept and duteously maintained it for the next 25 years from 1994 through to 2018 when it was then sold to a Group A collector where it has largely remained in climate-controlled storage seeing minimal use.

Just the kind of example you hope to find, Car 14 is perfectly original and complete with its correct 3-spoke alloy wheels, factory light weight exhaust, Group-A Decals and plaques, rubber Toyota mats, leather wrapped rear strut brace and Pioneer stereo with CD stacker, water spray bar and pump for the injector system and extended rear spoiler. This is without a doubt one of the finest and freshest that remains anywhere, presenting today exactly as it did when new on the showroom floor.

The subject of a major service in April of this year with all four tyres also replaced with new ADVAN A050’s and a professional detail carried with ceramic coating applied for ease of maintenance and preservation, this phenomenal car is set and ready for its next custodian.

Most importantly, the drive of this GT-Four is sensational. Nicknamed “The Tractor” on the WRC circuit because it has so much torque coming out of any corner, in any gear, like a featherweight boxer, this GT-Four feels fast, quickly responds to driver inputs and is so well balanced from the steering, pedal and gearshift feel to the feeling of the chassis through the driver seat. What a treat to drive, this phenomenal car is absolutely on the button.

A rare and exciting find, this isn’t just one for the collector’s vault, this is a significant slice of World Rally Championship and Australian motorsport history you can drive and enjoy regularly.

The last and most powerful GT-Four Celica to be produced, this hallmark car represents the end of arguably Toyota’s most loved series of sports cars. 

A special car to own, drive and invest in with values still under appreciated, it’s hard to top such a spectacularly maintained example.