Toyota Celica GT-Four: PH Carpool
When you've grown up watching Sainz in a Celica there's only one car choice as an adult
Car: Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205)
Owned since: January 2009
Previously owned: "At the time I bought it, a Toyota Celica T-Sport, a Celica 140, a Vauxhall Vectra and a Seat Ibiza.
"Since I've bought it, a list as long as my arm, from MX5s to MR2s to M5s!"
Track day bug bit early!
"I had a Celica T-Sport but wanted more power, so a GT-Four seemed the logical step. I'd grown up watching Carlos Sainz race to glory in the WRC ST185s and put hours on Toyota Celica GT Rally on my Amiga too.
"I sort of fell into GT-Four ownership - amazingly I found someone who had a GT-Four but wanted to swap for my T-Sport. The deal was done and I've owned it ever since."
What I wish I'd known:
"I did a bit of research before taking the plunge, seeing stark warnings about the costs of suspension components etc. and while it's true that the Super Strut Suspension is quite fragile if you can find a car that's had it all sorted, you should be fine for a few years.
"I also wish I'd known just how much money I would pour into the car - it's been a real labour of love since I took ownership, but it's still worth it."
Things I love:
"The looks - I never really liked the "vanilla" look of the other rally monsters from the 90s, the Evos and the Imprezas. The Celica just looks so much more sporty - all subjective though, I guess!
"With decent rubber on, the car grips and grips - the AWD system is fixed 50/50 (as far as I know) so is primitive by today's standards, but even in the wet it's reluctant to let go - this does mean that having fun is a little difficult but it's still very enjoyable regardless of tail-out shenanigans.
"The relative rarity - you just don't see that many of them about, and since I put the rally livery on, it attracts a lot of attention (all positive.)
Mmm, 90s Jap chic
Things I hate:
"Apart from the frankly ridiculous positioning of the cupholders, I can't think of anything else.
"I had a period of a couple of years where the Celica spent most of its time in storage while I worked my way through a laundry list of other cars. Circumstances forced me to just go back to single car ownership and I'd forgotten how great a drive it is.
"The only car I've tried which is comparable in terms of smiles per mile was the Rev5 MR2 Turbo I briefly had in 2012. I've had two E6x M5s and while they were both monsters performance-wise, they really did feel like driving a boat in comparison."
Costs:
"By far the biggest cost of ownership has been the modifications, both cosmetic and mechanical. I've had the car resprayed, a new custom interior trim and the rally graphics made up on the cosmetic side, but performance-wise I've added a few things like adjustable coilovers, ARBs, a boost controller etc.
"Servicing has been reasonable, although I do most of my own oil changes so that helps. Insurance is a very reasonable £400 per year. If I want to do anything to the car, I always take it to Martin Kingston at MK Auto Repairs & Tuning in Blackburn - what that man doesn't know about GT-Fours isn't worth knowing."
You can see how lots was spent modifying!
"My first track day was at Silverstone back in 2009 and I caught the bug, and I try and get on track at least twice a year now. Last time was at Blyton Park where my partner drove on track for the first time - I underestimated the car's grip as she powered around a tight bend covered in standing water, but the car just carried on as if it was a dry track. I was amazed, but I don't think the finger impressions in the passenger door handle have come out yet!"
What next?
"I don't think I can ever sell the car, but I'm a typical car nut - always looking at suitable second cars. Torn between a Boxster S, E46/90 M3 or a Honda S2000 currently.
"As for the Celica, I'm constantly flip-flopping between keeping it as it is or having the engine rebuilt with forged components and going for a bigger turbo and more power etc. - I am more than happy with the car as-is, though."
The number of pound coins I pumped into Sega Rally as a kid would probably go some way to making that dream come true!
Kind of fulfils the role for rally reps that the 944 does for Porsches, decent classic (excluding the 22B, P1 etc)Impreza's must be due to go up at some point as well.
In terms of touring cars, manual 190E 16Vs are still reasonable enough, in comparison to those mentioned, unless you want the Evo models
Would love to have one again but they are getting rare these days. Only 151 ST185s on the road these days.
If you're considering one, make sure you have enough spare cash to keep it running on top form & it'll reward you well. Definitely one for the collection...
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