Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC
The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205, produced from 1994 to 1999, represents the zenith of Toyota's rally car program translated into a road car. Built to satisfy World Rally Championship homologation requirements, the ST205 was the third and final generation of the GT-Four designation, following the ST165 and ST185 that had already proven the Celica's rallying credentials with multiple WRC victories.
The heart of the ST205 was the 3S-GTE engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that had been progressively developed through three GT-Four generations. In ST205 form with the CT20B turbocharger, the engine produced 255 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque - the most powerful version of the 3S-GTE in any production Toyota. The CT20B featured a steel turbine wheel and refined internal aerodynamics that improved both response and peak power compared to the earlier CT26 turbo.
The all-wheel-drive system was a sophisticated full-time setup using a Torsen center differential to distribute torque between the front and rear axles. A viscous-coupling limited-slip differential at the rear and a Torsen unit at the front ensured that power went to the wheels with the most grip. This system gave the ST205 extraordinary traction in all conditions, making it devastatingly effective on wet or loose surfaces - exactly the conditions for which it was homologated.
The ST205's most distinctive visual feature was its functional hood scoop and large rear spoiler, both of which were functional aerodynamic elements rather than mere styling additions. The WRC homologation models featured additional reinforcement, water spray intercooler systems, and strengthened suspension mounting points. The car's aggressive stance, wide fenders, and purposeful appearance left no doubt about its competition intentions.
The ST205's WRC career was both brilliant and infamous. It achieved considerable success on the rally stages, but in 1995 Toyota was disqualified from the WRC after illegal turbo restrictor modifications were discovered. This scandal led to a two-year ban from the championship and effectively ended the Celica's WRC career. The road cars, however, were entirely legal and represented some of the finest engineering Toyota had ever put into a production car.
Inside, the GT-Four featured a driver-focused cockpit with Recaro sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comprehensive instrumentation including a turbo boost gauge. The build quality was typically Toyota - impeccable - and the car felt more refined than its rally-bred nature might suggest. On the road, the ST205 was a genuinely capable grand tourer that happened to have rally-car underpinnings.
The driving experience was defined by the 3S-GTE engine's punchy power delivery and the AWD system's remarkable traction. The ST205 was not as playful as a rear-wheel-drive sports car, but it was astonishingly fast point-to-point, particularly in adverse conditions. The braking system, with large ventilated discs at all four corners, provided confidence-inspiring stopping power.
Today, the ST205 GT-Four has become highly collectible as one of the defining Japanese performance cars of the 1990s. Clean, unmodified examples command strong prices, and the car's limited production run ensures its rarity. The WRC heritage, despite the controversy, adds to its mystique and historical significance.
The 3S-GTE engine is robust but check for turbo shaft play and boost leaks. The CT20B turbocharger is a known wear item. Inspect the AWD system thoroughly - transfer case and differential oil should be fresh. The E154F gearbox is generally reliable but check synchros on 2nd and 3rd. Rust can affect the underbody and wheel arches. Verify WRC homologation equipment if claimed. Many ST205s have been modified - original-condition cars are increasingly valuable. Check the water spray intercooler system for proper function on equipped models.
The ST205 GT-Four was produced from 1994 to 1999 with approximately 2,500 WRC homologation specials built. The car was the basis for Toyota Team Europe's WRC entries from 1994-1995. Following Toyota's WRC ban, the ST205 continued in production as a road car. The final GT-Four models were built in 1999, ending the Celica's performance tradition.