Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| T | Model series | T — Celica T-series platform |
| 160 | Generation code | 160 — fourth-generation Celica (1985–1989) |
The T160 was the first front-wheel-drive Celica generation; it carried the GT-Four (ST165) as the all-wheel-drive turbo variant with the 3S-GTE engine.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- 1985 to 1990 is the UK on-sale window Toyota's press archive gives for this generation, sold as a Liftback in GT trim
- 148bhp 2.0-litre was the launch engine, per Toyota's UK press archive
- A Cabriolet joined the range in 1987, per Toyota's UK press archive
- The turbocharged, permanent-AWD GT-Four (ST165, per Toyota Gazoo Racing) was added to the range in the UK in 1988 at 185bhp, with ABS and a catalytic converter
- 1990 — Carlos Sainz's first World Rally Championship drivers' title came in the ST165 GT-Four, per Toyota Gazoo Racing
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST162 (T160) | 3S-FE | 2.0L | estimated | DOHC 16V; output varies by market |
| ST162 (T160) | 3S-GE | 2.0L | estimated | High-output NA; market dependent |
| ST165 (T160 GT-Four) | 3S-GTE | 2.0L | estimated | Turbo AWD; gen1 3S-GTE varies |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.0"
- Low roof; tall drivers may brush head with helmet
- Rear Seats
- Tight 2+2
- Best for kids or short trips; adults cramped
- Cargo
- 14-18 cu ft
- Hatch is useful; rear seats fold but opening is narrow
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| T160 (4th gen Celica, 1985-1989) | Celica ST | 3S-FE / 2S-ELC (market-dependent) | FWD, base trim, 5MT/4AT |
| T160 (4th gen Celica, 1985-1989) | Celica GT | 3S-FE (2.0L I4 NA) | 2.0L, sport seats, upgraded suspension |
| T160 (4th gen Celica, 1985-1989) | Celica GTS | 3S-GE (2.0L DOHC I4 NA) | DOHC, higher output, sport aero (market) |
| T160 (4th gen Celica, 1985-1989) | Celica GT-S (US) | 3S-GE (2.0L DOHC I4 NA) | DOHC, 5MT, sport suspension |
| T160 (4th gen Celica, 1985-1989) | Celica GT-Four | 3S-GTE (2.0L Turbo I4) | AWD, turbo, rally homologation basis |
Should You Buy a Toyota Celica T160?
Why You'll Love It
- A defined, compact range Toyota's UK archive lists the Liftback GT, the Cabriolet added in 1987 and the GT-Four added in 1988.
- The GT-Four is a title-winning variant Toyota's UK archive dates the GT-Four's UK arrival to 1988; Toyota Gazoo Racing credits the ST165 with Carlos Sainz's 1990 WRC drivers' title.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who won't confirm which variant Toyota's archive lists — Liftback GT, Cabriolet or turbocharged GT-Four — a specific listing actually is
- Buyers who won't confirm whether a GT-Four is the UK-market catalysed 185bhp spec Toyota's archive documents, or a different market's tune
- Buyers who assume the works rally car's championship record describes what a decades-old road car needs today — Top Gear says the works ST165 struggled with cooling and heat-management issues
Differences between JDM & USDM
Toyota's UK archive lists a 148bhp 2.0-litre Liftback GT, a Cabriolet added in 1987 and a turbocharged GT-Four added in 1988. Confirm an individual GT-Four's home market and emissions equipment before assuming its output matches a JDM or other-market figure. A vehicle at least 25 years old may use NHTSA's age-based FMVSS exemption, with an HS-7 declaration. EPA import requirements still apply. Toyota's UK archive gives an on-sale period ending in 1990; establish the individual car's manufacture date for import purposes.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
T160 (4th gen) (1985-1989)
- Switch to FWD; lighter feel
- GT-S got 3S-GE in many markets
- All-Trac Turbo (ST165) debut
- Pop-ups; strong 80s nostalgia
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T160 (4th gen) | 1985-1989 | estimated | First FWD; GT-Four subset relatively low |
Comparable Alternatives
Toyota MR2 SW20
90s Toyota performance; turbo options; similar era appeal
Mitsubishi Evo I-III
Hardcore AWD turbo sedan; stronger collector heat than Celica
Acura RSX Type-S
Modern-ish 2+2 coupe; K-series tuning; similar daily usability
The Buyer's Read
Toyota's UK archive includes the Liftback GT, the Cabriolet added in 1987 and the GT-Four added in 1988. Toyota Gazoo Racing identifies that GT-Four as the ST165 and credits it with Carlos Sainz's first World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1990 — genuine pedigree, but Top Gear says the works rally car struggled with cooling and heat-management issues in period, so don't assume the works car's on-stage record describes what a road car needs today. Confirm which variant, and which market's spec, a listing actually is before comparing it to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which versions of the fourth-generation Celica does Toyota's UK archive list?
- Toyota's UK press archive lists a Liftback in GT trim from 1985, a Cabriolet added in 1987, and a turbocharged GT-Four added in 1988.
- When was the Celica GT-Four ST165 sold in the UK?
- Toyota's UK press archive says the GT-Four was on sale in the UK from 1988 to 1990, added to the wider range that had been on sale since 1985.
- What power did the UK-market GT-Four make?
- Toyota's press archive lists 185bhp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine for the UK-market car.
- Did the ST165 win rallies?
- Yes — Top Gear says it took 13 outright WRC wins, and Toyota Gazoo Racing says it delivered Carlos Sainz Toyota's first drivers' title in 1990.
- Is the ST165 GT-Four legal to import into the US?
- NHTSA permits a vehicle at least 25 years old to be imported without meeting the FMVSS; an HS-7 declaration is still required. Toyota's UK archive gives an on-sale period ending in 1990. Verify the individual car's manufacture date and EPA eligibility.
Sources & References
Sources (12)
- Carproblemzoo.com (cited in the WordPress original) — Carproblemzoo Moved View archived ↗
- CelicaHobby.com (cited in the WordPress original) — CelicaHobby Verified
- ToyotaCelicas.com (cited in the WordPress original) — ToyotaCelicas Moved View archived ↗
- TrueDelta — Celica reliability data (cited in the WordPress original) — TrueDelta Moved View archived ↗
- Toyota Celica — encyclopedic overview, generation specs and history — Wikipedia Verified
- Toyota Celica GT-Four — homologation history, ST165/ST185/ST205 detail — Wikipedia Verified
- Toyota Team Europe — Group A and WRC campaign history — Wikipedia Verified
- Carlos Sainz — 1990 and 1992 WRC Drivers' Champion in Celica GT-Four — Wikipedia Verified
- Toyota 3S-GTE — engine development and Celica GT-Four applications — Wikipedia Verified
- Toyota Celica — Japanese encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia (Japanese) Verified
- Hagerty valuation tools — Toyota Celica — Hagerty Verified
- Bring a Trailer auction results — Toyota Celica — Bring a Trailer Verified
Sources last verified: