In Brief
The 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition, currently for sale in the United Kingdom, embodies the brand’s racing heritage in the world of rallying. With competition-inspired equipment and the iconic Castrol livery, it appeals to fans of Japanese cars and automotive history alike. This rare version is part of the 2,500 units built to homologate Toyota’s participation in the WRC. Priced at £23,995, it sits in the upper tier of the market, reflecting its condition and authenticity. It offers a unique chance to experience the Celica legend before the arrival of the next generation.
The return of the Toyota Celica is taking shape, and fans of Japanese coupes are already buzzing. Toyota has confirmed its intent to revive its iconic sports car, with a future all-wheel-drive version aimed at the road as well as the World Rally Championship, but no clear launch date has been announced yet. While we wait to see the new model emerge from Gazoo Racing’s workshops, attention turns to the old GT-Four legends. And right on cue, a 1994 WRC homologation piece has resurfaced.
It is a Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition from 1994, dressed in the famous Castrol livery, currently up for sale on eBay in the United Kingdom. Sega Rally Championship players will instantly recognize this four-door coupe with four headlights and wide fenders, a road-going clone of the mid-1990s factory rally cars. This WRC Edition series is among the 2,500 units built to satisfy FIA homologation rules, featuring competition-derived components, including an onboard factory anti-lag system. A piece of rally history, ready to transition from virtual to real garage.
A 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition, Ready to Roll
The listed car is a right-hand-drive Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition, imported from Japan into the UK. The ad cites 121,000 km on the clock, roughly 75,000 miles, and a remarkably well-preserved condition for a 1994 car. The seller highlights a corrosion-free undercarriage protected by clearly visible underseal, along with recent maintenance including a full service, timing belt replacement, and water-pump swap. The car has also undergone a miles-per-hour gauge conversion and the addition of a rear fog light, a UK requirement.
Visually, this Celica leans hard into WRC styling with its full Castrol livery and white Speedline wheels, classic of rally cars from the era. The model also features projector headlamps, widened fenders, a vented aluminum hood, and larger bumper air intakes—all cues that distinguish the GT-Four from the more conventional Celicas. Inside, you’ll find a four-seat layout with original bucket seats sporting era-1990s patterns, complemented by a TRD shift knob and a sport-adjustable steering wheel. The cockpit blends rally spirit with daily usability.
Under the Hood, the Rally DNA of the Celica GT-Four and a Price That’s Growing More Desired
Technically, this Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC stays faithful to the third-generation GT-Four formula. Under the hood sits the 2.0-liter turbo 3S-GTE, here equipped with several upgrades over stock. The car features a front intercooler, a Koyo radiator, an HKS cold-air intake, an additional blow-off valve, and a revised exhaust system, all aimed at freeing up more of the engine’s breath. The exact horsepower figure isn’t listed, but the standard GT-Four delivered 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS) in the street version, while the WRC variant surpassed 300 hp (223 kW / 303 PS). Transmission remains a five-speed manual with permanent four-wheel drive, including a viscous center differential and a Torsen rear differential, whereas true rally cars added active differentials, a sequential gearbox, a stripped interior with a roll cage, and long-travel suspension.
That base, closely aligned with the official cars, helped the Toyota Celica shine in the World Rally Championship, claiming four drivers’ titles (1990, 1992, 1993, 1994) and two manufacturers’ titles (1993, 1994). Although the ST205 generation never secured a global title, its predecessor, the ST185 piloted by Carlos Sainz, remains iconic, before Toyota handed the mantle to the Corolla WRC and, much later, to the Yaris and GR Yaris under Toyota Gazoo Racing, lifting the manufacturers’ tally to eight titles and six drivers’ titles. In today’s market, GT-Four ST205 values range from about $5,600 for worn examples to more than $30,000–$40,000 for cleaner, low-mileage cars. Priced at £23,995, roughly $32,500 or €30,000, this WRC Edition with factory rally colors sits squarely in that range and offers a direct way to savor the Celica legacy while awaiting the arrival of the upcoming Celica Sports.
Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Mileage | Power (hp) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition | 1994 | 121,000 km | 248 (standard) / >300 (WRC) | £23,995 (about $32,500, €30,000) |
Key Takeaways
- The 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition is a rare rally-homologation model.
- It is part of the 2,500 units produced for official WRC participation.
- The car on offer has 121,000 km, has been meticulously maintained, and showcases competition-inspired equipment.
- Standard power is 248 hp; the WRC variant exceeded 300 hp.
- Market values range from about $5,600 for worn examples to over $30,000–$40,000 for clean, low-mileage cars; the listing at £23,995 sits within this range (roughly $32,500 or €30,000).
- The ST205 reflects Toyota’s rich rally heritage, even though this particular model did not win a WRC title.
FAQ
What distinguishes the 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition?
This special edition is among 2,500 units produced for WRC homologation, featuring competition-inspired equipment such as the factory anti-lag system and the factory Castrol livery.
What is the power of the Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC?
The standard version delivers 248 hp, while the competition-focused WRC variant could exceed 300 hp.
What are the features specific to the WRC Edition?
It includes widened fenders, a vented hood, enlarged air intakes, period-correct bucket seats, and competition-derived technical equipment.
How much is a Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 on the market?
The value ranges from about $5,600 for worn examples to more than $30,000–$40,000 for clean, low-mileage cars.
What is the mileage of the UK-sold example?
It shows 121,000 km on the odometer, about 75,000 miles, and is presented in a well-maintained condition with recent servicing.
Did the Celica GT-Four ST205 win WRC titles?
The ST205 generation did not secure a world title, but other generations helped Toyota claim four drivers’ titles and two manufacturers’ titles between 1990 and 1994.
