Basic information and history

The Toyota Celica GT-Four was introduced as Toyota's homologation weapon for rally, and 1991 marked the generational shift to the ST185, the car that would take Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen to WRC drivers' championships. Beneath the softly rounded body characteristic of the fourth-generation Celica sits the transversely mounted 3S-GTE, a turbocharged two-litre four-stroke engine with four valves per cylinder, a water-cooled intercooler and permanent four-wheel drive with a centre viscous coupling and a Torsen differential at the rear. The combination of turbo engine, four-wheel drive and a relatively compact coupé body makes the GT-Four one of the era's most interesting Japanese GT cars and a natural collector's item today.

This example, a 1991 model, was sold new in Sweden and is described by the seller as being in original condition. The odometer shows 14,800 km, but the mileage cannot be guaranteed, which is worth noting given the car's age and the fact that five-digit odometers of this type may have rolled over. The vehicle is reported to have had 17 owners over the years, giving an unusually long chain of ownership for anyone wishing to trace its history. There are no loans on the car and no deductible VAT, as the sale is made by a private individual.

Equipment and options

• Turbocharged two-litre 3S-GTE engine
• Permanent four-wheel drive
• Manual gearbox
• Sound and media system, functioning
• Climate control (not working, see Condition)
• Functioning trip meter and other electronics

According to the seller, the car is in original condition without modifications. In terms of maintenance, it has received a new clutch and a new timing belt, two items that carry significant weight on a 3S-GTE and typically rank high on the to-do list when acquiring this model.

Condition

Body and exterior: The paintwork is described as being in good condition, as are the bodywork and windows.

Interior: The cabin is stated to be in good condition, as are the dashboard and headliner. All seatbelts function and the dashboard is, according to the seller, free of warning lights.

Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are reportedly in good condition.

Mechanics and function: The engine is described as being in good condition and starts and runs faultlessly. The gearbox shifts without issue, the clutch functions, and the brakes are said to be in good condition. All electronics and exterior lighting function. The climate control system is inoperative as the compressor is missing. The car is drivable as it stands, but the vehicle inspection expired around two years ago, meaning the vehicle is currently not certified for road use. No remarks other than the expired inspection have been noted.

The car had damage to the left rear fender, which has been fixed with touch-up paint, and there is dampness under the car with oil that has not been investigated. May hunt at idle, some wear on the paint.

Service history

According to the seller, the car has not been fully serviced, and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service history. The works highlighted are a new clutch and a new timing belt. The most recent inspection was carried out around two years ago. Interested buyers should factor in a check-over and a new inspection as part of the purchase.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 from 1991, stated to be in original condition, with a turbocharged 3S-GTE engine, permanent four-wheel drive and manual gearbox. The body, paint, interior and mechanics are consistently described as being in good condition, and the car has received a new clutch and new timing belt. The odometer shows 14,800 km without guarantee, the service history is not documented, the climate control system lacks a compressor, and the inspection has expired. An opportunity for the knowledgeable enthusiast to take over a WRC-homologated Japanese four-wheel-drive GT and finish off the details themselves.