A rare 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC Edition, finished in the iconic Castrol rally livery, has surfaced on eBay, offering enthusiasts a piece of motorsport history while they wait for Toyota’s confirmed return of the Celica nameplate. The car, imported to the UK from Japan, is listed at £23,995 (around $32,500) and represents one of just 2,500 homologation specials built in 1994 to satisfy FIA regulations for the World Rally Championship.
The ST205 generation, distinguished by its quad-headlight front end, wide fenders, vented aluminum hood, and larger bumper intakes, was the flagship GT-Four variant. Under the hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE four-cylinder engine, which in standard roadgoing form produced 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS). This particular example has been upgraded with a front-mounted intercooler, a Koyo radiator, an HKS cold-air intake, an aftermarket dump valve, and an upgraded exhaust, though the seller does not specify the exact output. Power is sent to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a viscous center differential and a Torsen rear differential.
The car shows 121,000 km (76,000 miles) on the odometer and is described as being in great condition for its age. It rides on white Speedline alloy wheels and features projector headlights. Inside, the four-seater cabin includes a TRD shift knob, an aftermarket steering wheel, and standard bucket seats with typical ’90s upholstery. The listing highlights a rust-free underbody with clear underseal protection, recent maintenance including a full service, timing belt and water pump replacement, an MPH speedometer conversion, and rear fog light installation.
The Celica’s rally pedigree is well documented. The model secured four Drivers’ titles (1990, 1992, 1993, 1994) and two Manufacturers’ titles (1993, 1994), though none were won with the ST205 generation. The most successful iteration was the ST185 rally car driven by Carlos Sainz. The Celica eventually gave way to the Corolla WRC before a lengthy hiatus, and Toyota Gazoo Racing later returned to the top level of rallying with the Yaris and GR Yaris, bringing the brand’s total to eight Manufacturers’ titles and six Drivers’ titles.
Camouflaged prototypes spotted testing on rally stages earlier this year suggest that a new Celica rally car may be on the horizon, coinciding with upcoming regulation changes. Until then, this WRC Edition offers a tangible link to the model’s competition heritage, blending factory homologation hardware with period-correct styling and modern usability.