Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205, produced from 1994 to 1999, was the final and most advanced iteration of Toyota's turbocharged all-wheel-drive Celica, a car built specifically to homologate Toyota's World Rally Championship contender. It represented the pinnacle of the Group A WRC philosophy — where manufacturers had to produce road-going versions of their rally cars — and was one of the most capable all-wheel-drive sports coupes of the 1990s.
The ST205 was powered by the fourth generation of Toyota's legendary 3S-GTE engine — a 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder that had been the backbone of Toyota's rally program since the late 1980s. In ST205 form, the 3S-GTE featured a CT20B ceramic ball-bearing turbocharger, air-to-air intercooler, and Toyota's T-VIS (Toyota Variable Induction System), producing 255 PS (252 hp) in Japanese-market specification. The engine was remarkably responsive for a turbo unit of its era, with the ball-bearing turbo providing quicker spool-up than conventional designs.
The all-wheel-drive system was sophisticated, featuring a viscous coupling center differential and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential as standard. This combination provided excellent traction and adjustable handling characteristics — neutral in normal driving but capable of being provoked into controlled oversteer by lifting off the throttle mid-corner. The system distributed torque front-to-rear with a nominal 50:50 split.
The ST205's WRC campaign was dramatic but ultimately marred by controversy. Toyota Team Europe campaigned the car in the 1995 WRC season, winning the Rally Catalunya with Didier Auriol. However, the team was disqualified from the championship after an illegal turbo restrictor modification was discovered on the car at the Rally Catalunya. This resulted in Toyota being banned from the WRC for 12 months — one of the most significant scandals in rally history. The road car itself was entirely legal and remains one of the finest homologation specials ever produced.
The ST205 featured distinctive styling with a large bonnet scoop, wide body flares, a prominent rear wing, and quad round fog lights that gave it an aggressive, purposeful appearance. The interior included supportive sport seats, white-faced gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The WRC Edition, available in some markets, added additional equipment and unique badging.
The GT-Four was not officially sold in the United States, making it a Japan-market and select export-market (Europe, Australia) car. This exclusivity, combined with its rally heritage, advanced drivetrain, and the legendary 3S-GTE engine, has made the ST205 increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. As the final turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Celica, it represents the end of an era in rally homologation road cars.
Check for turbo wear and boost leaks — the CT20B turbo is reliable but expensive to replace with OEM. Rust is a significant concern, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around the rear subframe. The 5-speed gearbox synchros can wear on high-mileage examples. Verify the all-wheel-drive system functions correctly — center and rear differentials should be tested. Many have been modified — OEM-condition cars are most valuable. JDM imports are the most desirable. The WRC Edition is particularly sought after.
Produced from 1994 to 1999 for Japan, Europe, and Australia. Not sold in the United States. The WRC version was campaigned by Toyota Team Europe in 1995 before the turbo restrictor scandal led to a one-year ban. The 3S-GTE engine in the ST205 was the fourth and final generation of the powerplant. Also available was the naturally aspirated Celica SS-II (3S-GE engine, 180 PS).