If you’ve been watching classic rally car prices lately, you’ve seen Lancia Deltas hit six figures and Subaru 22Bs sell for house money. But there’s one Group A homologation hero that’s been quietly waiting in the wings: the 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four WRC (ST205).
And I think its time is coming. Fast.
Why the 1994 car matters
Toyota built the ST205 specifically to homologate the WRC-spec car that would take on Carlos Sainz, Didier Auriol, and the legendary Castrol livery. The 1994 model year is the sweet spot – you get the water‑to‑air intercooler (a rare feature that helped combat heat soak), the aggressive hood vents, and that massive rear wing that still looks ready to attack a forest stage. No pop‑ups here – Toyota moved to sleek fixed headlights for better aerodynamics and airflow.
Under the bonnet is the 2.0L turbocharged 3S-GTE – an engine so robust that tuners routinely push it well beyond factory power with just bolt‑ons. And that all‑wheel‑drive system? It’s clever, with a center diff that sends torque where it’s needed before you even feel the slip.
The collector tip you need
Here’s where I earn my keep: 1994 cars have a specific VIN prefix (ST205-000xxxx). Many buyers don’t know that 1994 examples came with the most unrestricted engine mapping – later cars received minor emissions tweaks and softer dampers for road comfort.
Also, check the rear arches for rust. It’s not common, but if a car lived near salt water, the arch liners trap moisture. A clean shell with original underbody coating is worth paying a £2,000 premium for. And while you’re there, inspect the water‑to‑air intercooler pump – it fails on neglected cars, and a working one is a sign of a caring owner.
Why it’s still undervalued
Right now, you can find a honest, driver‑grade 1994 Celica GT-Four for around £15,000–£20,000 in the UK, or if you lucky a project car in Australia for $15,000. Compare that to a Lancia Delta Integrale (£60k+) or an Evo VI Tommi Makinen (£40k+). The Celica is literally half the price of its peers.
But that gap won’t last. The 22B blew up because collectors finally recognised Subaru’s rally heritage. The same is starting to happen for Toyota. Once the JDM nostalgia wave fully hits 1990s Group A cars, the ST205 will surge.
My prediction
In five years, a #2 condition (excellent, not concours) 1994 Celica GT-Four WRC will trade hands for £40,000–£50,000 or +$80,000 in Australia – that’s a 2x–2.5x return from today’s prices. And unlike a modern investment car, you get to drive it – sideways, on gravel, in the rain – without losing a penny.
So here’s my question for you: Would you take a 1994 Celica GT-Four over a Subaru 22B? Or are you holding out for an Evo? Drop a comment below – I genuinely want to hear which future classic you’re hunting.
Stay driven,
– Future Classic Legends
Future Classic Car Legends 
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