1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Group A Rallye

From its inception in 1973 the World Rally Championship (WRC) was, for almost two decades the exclusive domain of European marques including Alpine-Renault, Lancia, Fiat, Ford UK, Audi and Peugeot.

But in 1990, Japan finally broke the strong hold with what became the most successful Japanese-made rally car of all time – the Toyota Celica GT-Four.

The lightweight, turbocharged, all-wheel drive missile won six WRC titles comprising four drivers’ and two manufacturers’ crowns with world champion drivers behind the wheel including Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol.

The last and most powerful version of the Celica GT-Four ever produced was the ST205.

Fitted with the third generation of Toyota’s 3S-GTE engine producing a whopping 252hp this engineering masterpiece also featured an all-aluminium bonnet, four channel ABS, an improved CT20B twin-entry turbocharger and new Super-Strut Suspension.

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

The simply stunning car offered here is an Australian delivered 1994 Toyota Celica ST205 GT-Four Group A Rallye.

A particularly rare and special model because all of the official WRC models of the ST205 were produced ONLY in 1994 as Toyota utilised them as homologation specials for their 1995 rally car.

Owned and maintained by the same family from 1994 through to 2018 this car has travelled just 47,000 kilometres and is offered in superb, totally original condition with a complete service booklet and original book-pack including the extended warranty papers plus both original keys and Toyota FOB’s.

Complete with its correct and original 3-spoke alloy wheels, factory exhaust, Group-A Decals and plaques, mats and stereo, water spray bar and pump for the injector system and extended rear spoiler this rare car would have to be one of the finest that remains in the country.

The subject of a major service in 2018, the drive is sensational. Fast, responsive and so well balanced from the steering and pedal feel to the feeling of the chassis through the driver seat this car is absolutely on the button.

With icy A/C, power windows, remote central locking and leather bucket seats this rare and exciting car isn’t just one for the collector’s vault, this is a significant slice of World Rally Championship history you can drive regularly.

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