Compile a list of 90s WRC homologation specials and the list will probably be quite extensive; Escort Cosworth, Impreza Turbo, Lancer Evo, Delta Integrale and so on. It will probably take a while before the ST205-generation
Toyota Celica GT-Four
is mentioned though, which is rather a shame.
Nathan wasn't here. He says...
It too boasted some advanced 4WD tech, a 2.0-litre turbo and the sort of rapid point-to-point pace that made cars of this ilk legendary. Why has it never quite caught the imagination like the others? Any Ford with 'Cosworth' in its name will be lapped up, the Impreza had the McRae connection and the Lancia was massively successful. Did the Celica lack a USP? Was the price just too much?
Regardless, it's an anniversary that should be marked. The fact that Nathan (who you'll find rounds these parts as 'eybic') owns an ST205 may have forced our hand a little. He wasn't at the GT4OC meet you see pictured here because, well, his car doesn't move under its own motivation at present. He assures us that it will very soon. Maybe.
The issue with wishing to mark 20 years of the ST205 is that it didn't compete in the WRC until 1995. So for something from 1994, we have an old Top Gear comparison (the Celica is on an L plate so it must be from then) against the revised Escort Cosworth. It's Mr Clarkson on driving duty and with quite a surprising verdict. But we'll let him do that in his own indomitable style.
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