Description
The Toyota Celica ST165 was released in October 1986. This was the first road-going version of Toyota's 4wd WRC car and at the time had Japan's most powerful 2L engine. Powered by the 1st revision 3S-GTE engine, which pumps out 185 bhp, the ST165 goes from 0-63 mph in just over 8 seconds. Like the rally car, the road car also has the water-to-air intercooler and fulltime all wheel drive, which improved the handling a lot. Like all Celicas, the ST165 too got a facelift in August 1987. The later spec. models had a boost gauge, better brakes a gearbox oil cooler and some minor exterior tweeks. This 1989 model is one of the last to cross the production line and boasts all the facelifted upgrades. This current car has 7 previous owners
I bought the car in September 2019. I found it one day when I was randomly searching on facebook marketplace, not even looking for a Celica! It was over 3 hours drive away and it was in a sorry state, but something told me to take the journey over there and take a look. The car had been sat on the previous owners driveway for nearly 10 years, they didn’t want to sell it as he used the car to get married in, but thankfully realised it was time to go before it became beyond repair. I could see it needed a lot of work but that didn’t put me off, it felt right to do what the car needed which was to be saved! Thanks to covid there was a delay in getting the car to the bodyshop but it eventually underwent a full windows out restoration. As you can see from the photos, this completely transformed the car! Shortly after adding the OZ alloy wheels the car was complete and ready to enjoy (original alloys come with the car freshly refurbished). To keep the fresh paint in the best condition I applied a 5 year ceramic coating on it to protect it from all the elements, makes washing the car a lot easier.
I have spent around 25k to get the car to where it is at now. The list of things done to the car is extensive, but all the invoices and paperwork will come organised in a folder. A lot of the big work was done by a Celica specialist based up in Blackburn (M. K autos) who is renowned all over the UK for his work on these cars. Along with the folder, all the books that came with the car from new are also still present. The last big job was replacing the tired suspension with brand new BC fully adjustable coilovers, along with some polybushes, 4 brand new tyres were also fitted. A full engine gasket set kit comes with the car (now obsolete), along with many other engine spares including the original air box and turbo actuator should you want to revert back to standard. The aircon system is currently removed from the car but again that can be added back should you want.
The car was on around 88 thousand miles and as you can see has only convered a few thousand in my ownership, its only ever been driven in the dry.
Main reasons for sale is due to lack of storage I now have, I’m also looking to inject the money into my businesses.
I would consider part ex on a cheaper vehicle with cash my way.
Thanks for reading, happy to answers any questions you have
