The 1990s was an incredible time for Japanese sports cars, with most manufacturers producing at least a couple of performance models. Toyota had the Supra, the MR2 and of the Celica. The GT-Four ST 205 was the most powerful and advanced version of the third generation Celica. 

This one is a very collectable variant. A WRC Edition, one of only 2,500 sold worldwide and one of only about 250 thought to be left. 

The WRC Edition is equipped with rally options included in the actual WRC cars, such as the bonnet spoiler at the back of the hood to keep it closed at high speeds, a turbo anti-lag system, intercooler jets for cooling and a high-rise rear spoiler as per the rally cars. All WRC editions were made in 1994. This one is a Japanese import and is a reportedly rust-free car in exceptional condition.

There’s a sense of occasion to the Celica’s cabin, led by its drilled pedals and OMP Racing steering wheel. Yet it’s still unmistakably a Japanese car of the 1990s, with acres of grey velour and dark plastics. Today, that’s a big part of the JDM charm.

The sports seats are supportive and well-bolstered, while the car also has original OEM-spec Celica floor mats. Although a Japanese import, the dials have been converted to imperial and the speedometer reads in MPH. There are also hidden fuel and electric cut-off switches for added security.

The vendor originally planned to keep the Celica for a long time and is only selling because he needs the funds for a deposit on a larger house. He therefore paid a lot of attention to the bodywork when he acquired it, attending to two very small areas of welding on the very edges of the sills and getting the car stripped, the glass removed and a full respray carried out in the original white. It was then undersealed professionally. 

It also has new genuine Toyota quarter glass on both sides and a new windscreen. The engine bay painted and the bumper bars media blasted and epoxy primed to protect against future corrosion. The OZ rally alloys have recently been refurbished and look fantastic, while the tyres are recent and in good condition.

The vendor had the engine rebuilt less than 1,000 miles ago, with desirable upgrades, including Wossner forged pistons, ACL Race Series performance big end bearings, an HKS silent Hi-Power exhaust, a Forge Motorsport wastegate actuator, a BERK Technology de-cat exhaust pipe, a new charge cooler, a high-performance air filter and a Toyota oil pump, knock sensor, lambda sensor, reconditioned distributor and new HT leads. It should be noted that the WRC exhaust manifold which was fitted (although not active on road-going versions of the car) was removed by a previous owner as it had reportedly cracked. It was replaced with a standard GT4 exhaust manifold. The charge cooler water jets, however, are present and correct.

The car now rides on new motorsport-spec Tein springs.  It has also had a genuine Toyota three-piece timing belt kit and hydraulic tensioner fitted.

It has a cone air filter fitted but the original air box and snorkel for the alternator cooling are available and included in the sale. The vendor describes the car as great to drive with no apparent issues.

Here’s a slice of JDM that’s brimming with appeal – a car that replicates a WRC icon, is bound to be a strong investment for the future and is presented in fantastic condition, with a huge amount of work recently completed and careful steps already taken to preserve it for the future. It’s bound to attract strong bidding attention.

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