Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| T | Model series | T — Celica T-series platform |
| 200 | Generation code | 200 — sixth-generation Celica (1993–1999) |
The ST205 GT-Four produced 255 PS JDM-spec from the 3S-GTE with a revised air-to-air intercooler mounted in the bonnet. The standard T200 non-turbo used ST202/ST203 codes.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- 1994 to 1999 is the UK on-sale window Toyota's press archive gives for this generation, with the UK launch model's 173bhp 2.0-litre twin-cam engine
- A soft-top Cabriolet joined the range in 1995, per Toyota's UK press archive
- Toyota's UK archive dates the turbocharged GT-Four (ST205) to 1994 at 239bhp. Hagerty reports 2,500 WRC-edition GT-Fours built in 1994; Toyota's launch release specifies that limited-edition count.
- For the 2,500-car WRC edition, 2,100 sold in Japan at 252bhp, with 400 detuned for export, per Top Gear
- Toyota was banned from World Rally Championship competition after officials found a hidden turbo-restrictor bypass on the works ST205 in 1995, per Top Gear
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST202/ST203 (T200) | 3S-GE | 2.0L | estimated | Gen3 NA; outputs vary by market |
| ST204 (T200) | 5S-FE | 2.2L | estimated | US-market; year-dependent output |
| ST205 (T200 GT-Four) | 3S-GTE | 2.0L | 250PS @ 6000rpm; 304Nm @ 4000rpm | JDM rated; CT20B turbo |
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
This chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2018. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| T200 (6th gen Celica, 1993-1999) | Celica ST | 7A-FE / 4A-FE (market-dependent) | Base trim, 5MT/4AT, dual airbags (market) |
| T200 (6th gen Celica, 1993-1999) | Celica GT | 5S-FE (2.2L I4 NA) / 3S-FE (market) | 2.2L (NA), comfort trim, alloys (market) |
| T200 (6th gen Celica, 1993-1999) | Celica GT-S | 3S-GE (2.0L DOHC I4 NA) | High-rev NA, sport suspension, 5MT |
| T200 (6th gen Celica, 1993-1999) | Celica GT-Four (ST205) | 3S-GTE (2.0L Turbo I4) | AWD, turbo, WRC homologation, Super Strut |
| T200 (6th gen Celica, 1993-1999) | Celica GT-Four WRC (homologation) | 3S-GTE (2.0L Turbo I4) | Water spray IC, anti-lag prep, 250PS cap |
Should You Buy a Toyota Celica T200?
Why You'll Love It
- The last works-engineered Celica rally car Toyota calls the ST205 works rally car the last works-engineered Celica rally car. Toyota's UK archive dates the road-going GT-Four's UK arrival to 1994. Hagerty reports 2,500 WRC-edition GT-Fours built in 1994; Toyota's launch release specifies a 2,500-car limited edition.
- Documented WRC-spec identifiers Hagerty describes specific WRC-homologation features on the GT-Four — Super White II paint, a raised rear wing, a hood-mounted anti-flex wing, and anti-lag piping for a deactivated system, extra heat insulation, an intake water-injection system and intercooler water-spray nozzles — that can be checked against an individual car.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who won't confirm whether a car is the 173bhp Celica, the Cabriolet or the GT-Four — Toyota's UK archive includes the 173bhp Celica, the Cabriolet added in 1995 and the GT-Four added in 1994.
- Buyers who won't verify a claimed 'WRC' GT-Four against the specific identifiers Hagerty documents (Super White II paint, raised rear wing, hood wing, anti-lag piping, water-injection plumbing) rather than badges or seller claims alone
- Buyers who will not verify a GT-Four's import paperwork and applicable emissions requirements
Differences between JDM & USDM
Toyota's UK press archive quotes 239bhp for the GT-Four added to this generation's range in 1994. For the 2,500-car WRC edition, Top Gear gives more granular figures — roughly 2,100 examples sold in Japan rated at 252bhp, with about 400 cars built for export detuned from that figure. Confirm which spec a given car is before comparing it to another listing. 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 lists this generation as available there from 1994 to 1999. The 25-year period is measured from the individual vehicle's manufacture date.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
T200 (6th gen) (1993-1999)
- ST205 GT-Four flagship
- Super Strut front on some trims
- 3S-GTE Gen3; strong midrange
- Parts scarcity rising; values up
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T200 (6th gen) | 1993-1999 | estimated | ST205 GT-Four limited vs FWD models |
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
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Toyota's UK archive includes the 173bhp Celica GT and the Cabriolet added in 1995. The turbocharged GT-Four (ST205) was added in 1994 at 239bhp for World Rally Championship homologation — Toyota calls the ST205 works rally car the last works-engineered Celica rally car. Hagerty reports that Toyota built 2,500 WRC-edition GT-Fours in 1994 to satisfy WRC eligibility rules. Top Gear splits that into roughly 2,100 Japan-market cars at 252bhp and 400 detuned export cars. Hagerty lists specific WRC-spec identifiers worth checking against documentation (Super White II paint, a raised rear wing, a hood-mounted anti-flex wing, and anti-lag piping for a deactivated system, extra heat insulation, an intake water-injection system and intercooler water-spray nozzles) rather than trusting a badge. Top Gear says officials found a hidden turbo-restrictor bypass on the works car in 1995, and Toyota was banned from competing the following year. The works team's WRC campaign was interrupted by the ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the sixth-generation Celica range include?
- Toyota's UK press archive lists a 173bhp naturally aspirated Celica, a Cabriolet added in 1995, and a turbocharged GT-Four added in 1994 for World Rally Championship homologation.
- How many 1994 WRC-edition Celica GT-Fours were built?
- Hagerty reports 2,500 WRC-edition GT-Fours built in 1994; Toyota's launch release specifies a 2,500-car limited edition.
- Did Japan-market and export WRC-edition GT-Fours make the same power?
- No — for the 2,500-car WRC edition, Top Gear says the roughly 2,100 cars sold in Japan developed 252bhp, while the other 400 built for export were detuned. Toyota's own UK press archive separately quotes 239bhp for the GT-Four added to this generation's range.
- Why was Toyota banned from the WRC in 1995?
- Top Gear says officials found a hidden turbo-restrictor bypass on Toyota's works ST205 that let extra air into the engine, adding an estimated 50bhp beyond the regulated turbo-restricted output; Toyota was banned from competing the following year.
- Is the ST205 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 lists this generation as available there from 1994 to 1999. The 25-year period is measured from the individual vehicle's manufacture date.
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: