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. The UK models only had 205bhp, and less torque. The CS was also fitted with a new gearbox, the E151F (although this was also fitted to later models). This gearbox has triple cone synchros on second, and dual cone on third. It also has two synchro rings on fifth, Teflon coated shift forks and several other improvements. Due to their rarity, low mileage examples are hard to come by in Japan.
This stunning Celica GT-4 was sourced to special order for a knowledgeable lady GT-4 RC enthusiast in Ireland, who wanted the very best GT-4 RC we could find with the stipulation that it could be of any colour as long as it was black! Within a couple of months we found this stunning low mileage example. Some of the paintwork including the bumpers, bonnet, roof and nearside rear quarter required some repairs - so we had our specialist bodyshop prepare this car prior to photographing. Upon return to our storage our staff were able to clean detail the car beautifully – even removing the useless old navi system and making sure all the wiring’s right.
It’s hard to believe this car was made in 1991. It’s beautiful! We particularly like this model of Celica GT-4. It’s got some nice features like the steering wheel which flips up as you pull the key out. Lots of lovely curves on the bodywork with a muscled stance enhanced by the RC model only front bumper, vented bonnet with a little spoiler on the trailing edge, side rear visors too. Car looks purposeful and menacing with the pop-up headlamp design (These haven’t been legal for new model cars for a long time due to pedestrian safety laws).
Modifications: OZ Racing WRC replica Italia 17 inch wheels with 215/40ZR17 Yokohama S-Drive tyres (near new). The suspension’s been upgraded with El Sport Coilovers with Eibach springs and Cusco front pillow top mounts with camber adjustment. Note the Marche 3 point strut brace at the front – never seen this brand before in Japan! These handling improvements are for road use rather than track and will give excellent handling roadholding. Brake pads at the front are from C-One Motorsport and all 4 rotors have been uprated to slotted sports performance discs. Braided brake hoses are by Earl’s. The exhaust is an HKS Legalis which is road legal in Japan – so therefore not overly loud. Car’s beautifully set up. The standard front bumper’s been neatly modified to include some neat little marker / driving lights. These operate via a separate switch on the dashboard. In addition there’s a set of original 15 inch wheels (in perfect condition) shod with snow tyres – so our customer will never find herself without being able to drive in the winter (Car’s 4WD too of course) – these tyres are well worth having for slippery weather. These come with original wheel nuts too. In total, around £4,500 has been spent on these improvements on this GT-4 by it's single owner. He clearly loved this car to keep it for so long used it for weekend fun only.Interior modifications features: There's a 260km/h speedometer and an HKS Speed limit defencer (removes 180 km/h speed limiter fitted as std). There’s a throttle pedal extension for easy heel toe. The hifi is a Pioneer 200W double DIN with CD / Radio / MD. Steering wheel shift knob uprated. The Recaro seats are on original Recaro custom seat rails this looks to have been a factory option (Same as other models of Toyota). Seats have similar fabric in the back and also on the side trims door cards. Note it’s got an electric sunroof and original side visors.
Condition: Interior’s in excellent condition with no damage from smoking – the one owner from new didn’t smoke! The roof had some blemishes on as had the bonnet from UV light over all these years – and the passenger rear quarter panel had a small dent by the light. The car now look as new the bodywork’s devoid of pin dents or wavyness. The RC emblem on the left side has degraded over the years and could do with being replaced – if Toyota still has stock. The dash vents have deformed over time, this is unavoidable with this model – can be stuck back down, if you want to know the method I can explain sometime. It’s not hard, just time consuming – Best left as is.No rust at all underneath, no oil leaks, no rattle, just a lovely condition GT-4 RC.One of the pics shows the original manuals, service book mileage history documents the original Carlos Sainz plaque which the owner kept but never fixed to the car. There’s also the original spare key.
Recommended improvements: We did notice the Toyota badge is missing from the front and that side badge too – would be nice to get new ones (Original front badge was damaged when being removed, hence not refitted by the bodyshop) from Toyota. We’d also like to try and get a clip to hold the front floor mat in place – if still available. We'd also like to find some clear side repeaters, to help modernise this smaller detail. We'd also recommend an improved air filter, which would help liven response for not much expense. For your future parts requirements for this car we can help: www.neweraparts.com
Standard Equipment: Being a Carlos Sainz model, it’s fitted with a sports trimmed interior, 6 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (Lumbar, vertical horizontal seat width), 4 way adjustable steering column, built in turbo timer, remote controlled door mirrors with retract mode, climate control A/C, original fitted mats, privacy glass for the rear windows, electric windows, central locking, PAS ABS.
Including all export costs in Japan and our fee, paintwork and preparation for shipping to Dublin, this car's supplied for: £6,000 FOB.To source the car you want, contact us.
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