1996 Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST-205)

Highlights

• Original, unmodified ST205
• Last owner for 23 years
• Mechanically very well-maintained
• Recent gearbox overhaul
• Great opportunity for cosmetic improvement

Overview

There was a time when Toyota was best known for sensible cars and sewing machines, but the Celica GT4 (along with Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankunnen) completely changed all that.

Based on the Japanese company’s popular coupé, the GT4 took the standard Celica and turned it into a force to be reckoned with in the World Rally Championships, the jacked-up ride height and four-wheel-drive at total odds with the lean and low-slung styling. It was an incredible machine, turbocharged and nimble with dramatic looks, and the one that made ‘The car in front is a Toyota’ a statement of fact.

The ST205 was the third generation of GT4 – in the opinion of many, the best, and certainly the rarest. Reports of production numbers vary but at least 2,500 WRC Edition cars were made for homologation purposes (with features required for competition such as anti-lag and a water spray installed but not connected) while the rest, like this one, did without the additional accoutrements.

Over the years many have been modified to varying degrees of reliability and tastefulness but this is a genuine, unmodified car that has been in the care of its current lady owner for 23 years. She’s adored it, looked after it and driven over 160,000 miles in it, taking the odometer up to over 207,000 miles. Yes, you read that right. It may be a rally-bred superhero, but despite its outwardly smart appearance this is a car that has been used daily throughout its life.

It's a high mileage hero, but don’t let that put you off. If anything, continuous use breeds continuous maintenance, and the service book and paperwork that comes with this car is proof that it has been properly looked-after. There are a few cosmetic areas that need a little tidying (mostly inside), but that’s all part of the fun – if you can stop driving it for long enough to care, that is.

History and documentation

• UK V5C
• MOT December 2024
• Current lady owner since 2001
• Original Toyota service book and handbooks in dealer wallet
• Pile of invoices from independent garages documenting 21 years of care
• Service history shows services at PDI (1996 – Hereford Toyota Centre), 1,196 miles (1997 – Hereford Toyota Centre), 10,791 miles (1997 – Citygate Toyota, Slough), 34,600 miles (1998 – Appleyard Toyota, Birmingham), 38,000 miles (2001 – Four Marks Car Centre, Hook), 64,106 miles (2003 – Octagon Toyota, Slough), 147,077 miles (2014 – JP Autos, Windsor), 163,275 miles (2016 – JP Autos, Windsor), 170,482 (2017 – JP Autos, Windsor), 177,551 miles (2018 – JP Autos, Windsor), 185,795 miles (2019 – JP Autos, Windsor, 186,100 miles (2020 – JP Autos, Windsor), 188,967 miles (2021 – JP Autos, Windsor), 206,702 miles (2023 – JP Autos, Windsor).

Interior

• Black and red leather sports seats
• Driver’s seat is worn and has taped up repairs – would require a retrim
• The passenger seat also has a small tear in the leather and some fading and creasing
• The rear seats are in good, presentable condition
• Original Toyota radio-cassette
• Electric windows
• Air conditioning works but could use re-gassing
• Very smart red carpets
• Headlining and door trims in good order
• Large glass sunroof

Exterior

• Original Toyota White paint in very smart overall condition
• Because the standard one got a bit floaty at high speeds, the bonnet features the rear aerofoil that was fitted as standard to the WRC Edition cars and was reportedly available as an option in Europe
• There are some minor cosmetic blemishes but no record of the car ever needing structural repairs
• Minor rust bubbles to one door bottom, both rear arches and one rear wing
• Paint worn through above windscreen surround
• Minor rust on inside of door frames
• Small creases and crazing on rear bumper
• Original factory alloys in good order, with quality Bridgestone rubber
• Various marks, chips and imperfection in line with age and use, but this is still a great-looking car in remarkable, original order

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre DOHC turbocharged 3S-GTE engine
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• 240bhp
• Recent gearbox overhaul
• Permanent four-wheel-drive
• Well-maintained and cared for in long-term ownership with invoices backing up work carried out
• According to the vendor the Celica is great to drive and truly remarkable given its mileage

Summary

The ST205 is spoken of in hushed tones by rally enthusiasts and with good reason – indeed, it’s not unusual to see a low-mileage, original and well-preserved WRC Edition selling for over £20,000. But if you don’t mind a car that has seen a bit more action, and comes minus a few bits that aren’t used anyway on the road car, then here is a great opportunity to grab a bargain.

That legendary Toyota reliability, coupled with a long-term owner who has fastidiously maintained the car during her ownership leaving it wanting for nothing mechanically, means this is quite a remarkable thing. Well-used, but also well-loved, and gloriously original and unmodified.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located near Ascot, Berkshire.