1992 Toyota Celica GT-4 RC

Description

This GT-4 limited edition model was made to commemorate Carlos Sainz’s WRC Championship winning successes in 1990 and 1992. Only 440 of this rare model were officially imported to the UK during production, with a handful going to other parts of Europe and the remainder being sold in Japan. FIA regulations, at the time, required 5000 examples to be manufactured to allow the model to be used in rallying.  Numerous aspects of the normal ST185 design meant some changes were required to provide the necessary durability for rallying. These changes were a direct result of TTE’s input.

The Carlos Sainz is visually different to the normal model in that it has a different bonnet and bumper. Instead of the scoop, the bonnet has an air vent (to expel hot air) and a small round scoop to provide cooling air to the cam belt housing (found to melt during rallying on older models).  At the rear are two additional rear-facing exits.  The bumper is more bulbous and has a larger vent area.   Also the large heavy steel bumper backing is missing, a petite aluminium extrusion taking its place.  As a result of these changes the cooling efficiency (resulting from increased throughput of air) is much higher.  All ST185CS models were the wide-body version with the 15" wheels.  The rear bumper was also redesigned to reduce weight. It's been commented by many that the RC model actually handles better than the later ST205 models.

The engine differs from the normal car in that it uses a water-air intercooling system.  The intercooler radiator is about four times as big as previous model’s and includes a water spray system (which is installed but not connected). The CS also uses a different turbo and air flow meter. The ECU has the fuel cut at 17psi, up from the normal 12psi. Otherwise the engine has no significant changes over the normal ST185.  Other minor changes included different suspension settings and a lightweight, low restriction exhaust system with 2.5” pipe work as standard. The Japanese model RC had 230bhp as standard.

With only 101, 044 km’s on the vehicle it is in excellent shape. Equipped with a 5 Speed manual, this AWD turbo car is a blast to drive.

The interior has the upgraded trim. After market stereo, an FET turbo timer’s fitted. Also an uprated muffler from the cat – back. Wheels are also of course uprated, lightweight forged alloy OZ Racing items.  

Car has no ABS, but aside from this there’s full electrical spec, incl. adjustable support on the driver’s seat. Drives extremely well with a strong clutch and plenty of power through the power band. Oil has also recently been changed and there’s a sticker on the engine which records the timing belt having been changed at 58,295km, on 26^th January 2001 (6 years ago).

Auction grade is 3.5 as the auction sheet shows with no accidents. This car’s recently had a full respray of good quality that was done in Japan prior to out purchase of the vehicle. It’s hard to tell it’s been done – probably completed at high expense. There’s some normal paint damage to the front bumper. Also on the passenger front fender there’s a small area of the arch which has had paint damage – no repair required, but mentioned anyways. Driver’s door has some chips on the edges. There is no rust on this vehicle at all.

Truly an amazing car and a vehicle or this quality and rarity will be very difficult to find again! The price of 10,500 includes all customs work, as well as the out of province inspection and GST!

Modifications

There are no modifications listed for this car.

Stock Equipment

Chassis Number: ST185-0020660

There are are no stock equipment specifications listed for this car.