One to Buy: 25,000km Solar Yellow 1995 Toyota Celica ST205 GT-Four
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The Group A era from the early 1980s to the mid-late 90s spawned a fabulous array of homologation specials, some of which paved the way for great circuit racers and others, rally icons.
Built between 1994 and 1999, the ST205-type GT-Four was the last of Toyota’s Celica-based Group A specials. At the time of the ST205’s launch, the GT-Four programme (started back in 1986 with the ST165) had garnered four Driver and two Manufacturer WRC titles. Toyota inevitably expected to collect more silverware heading into the 1995 season which would be the first full year of competition for the ST205.
As it transpired, Toyota’s ‘94 champ, Didier Auriol, took just a single win in ‘95 (at the Tour de Corse) and lost his crown to Subaru’s Colin McRae. Subaru also claimed Toyota’s Manufacturers’ crown. Meanwhile, Auriol’s win-less but more consistent team-mate, Juha Kankkunen, had been in contention for the ‘95 Drivers’ championship. Disastrously though, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictors at the penultimate event of the year (Rally Catalunya).
Toyota and their drivers were ultimately stripped of all their championship points and the Japanese manufacturer was issued a one-year ban by the FIA. FIA president, Max Mosley, called the illegal turbo restrictor "the most sophisticated device I've ever seen in 30 years of motor sports."
Compared to some other Japanese Group A homologation specials, the ST205 GT-Four still looks good value as evidenced by this most likely ‘best of type’ example currently residing at the Appreciating Classics showroom in Norwich, Norfolk.
Configured in arguably the most desirable colour schemes for one of these cars, Solar Yellow, this 1995 example was owned by just a single Japanese custodian who sent the car for 13 services during its life out in Asia. At the point of export, it was given a very respectable 4.5B out of 5 by the Japanese authorities.
Since arriving in the UK, the Celica has resided in two British collections. Today, the superb, unrestored and unmodified example of arguably the ultimate GT-Four is showing a little over 25,000km. It is accompanied by the original book pack.
According to Appreciating Classics: “When the car previously arrived with us in the UK, we carried out a full service, including the all important cambelt. Plus we cleaned the underside which is in splendid condition. To finish, we cavity waxed all box sections/chassis rails/sills and then we of course detailed the car throughout. Since then the car has been in a private collection with a regular customer, stored in a heated garage as part of a selection of very special cars.”
“All paintwork is original having been checked with a paint depth gauge. A fresh detail has really helped the yellow paint ‘pop’, with no swirls or marks to mention. All badges, glass & lights are original items in good condition. The only change to the exterior is the addition of a dealer decal on the rear bumper.
As per the exterior, the interior is in very nice condition. All seats are superb, the original Toyota Celica carpet mats are still in place and all switchgear works as it should. All trims are in good order, the carpet is free of any damage and this extends to the boot area too, which looks as though it has never been used. The steering wheel, gear knob, pedal rubbers & handbrake lever are all showing very minimal wear.”
Mechanically, this example is without any modifications, presented exactly as Toyota intended. Fully serviced by ourselves within our workshop facility. The engine bay itself presents beautifully. The running gear & underside condition is absolutely superb and original.”
