Description

1992 Toyota Celica GT4 RC Carlos Sainz (ST185)

Rare and collectible FIA WRC Homologation 'Carlos Sainz' version of the GT4; 1 of just 5,000 Global examples (3,000 European) and just 440 UK models from 12 year ownership; scope for cosmetic refreshment

The original, period sales brochure on file with this Lot announces with typical excitement, pomp and ceremony the Celica GT4 Carlos Sainz Limited Edition.

According to the sales blurb, the car was launched as the Homologation version required by WRC rules of the world rally car as driven to success by rally legend Carlos Sainz, and is one of just 440 UK models.

Power comes from the “muscular 2.0 litre, 16 valve, fuel injected, twin entry turbocharged engine that liberates a stunning 205bhp at 6,000rpm with 203lb ft of torque..”  which can “power you to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph , assisted by improved engine management that reduces lag from the larger, water-cooled turbocharger to virtually zero” – quite the bit of kit then. (Above quoted from the brochure).

Drive is via five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive with Torsen LSD.  Inside, we find comfortable, supportive seats, electric windows, electric mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and original radio cassette player wit CD player above.  In addition, we also spy the Limited-Edition Calos Sainz plaque revealing this car to be No.2615 of 5000 cars.

The car has been with our vendor since March 2010, during which time he has used and enjoyed the car, it currently showing 133,958 miles.  The car has recently been keyed down the driver’s side, with the passenger side also showing signs of damage to the front wheel arch and rear bumper corners. 

He also notes he struggled to find the correct rear tyre size which may be why the rear wheels look a little under-tyred.  The car would no doubt benefit from a cosmetic overhaul with replacement front mesh grills, a re-paint, refurbishment of the wheels and correct tyres procured to really bring it up to par.  Once completed, you’d no doubt have a very good and desirable rare model with one Carlos Sainz GT4 recently making £30,000 at auction. Food for thought.

The history file includes the V5C recording just two former keepers to our vendor, the owner’s pack and service book revealing seventeen service stamps (of which 15 were by the supplying dealer), the last in 2004 at 87,747 miles, sales invoice dated August 1992 at 703 miles for £22,950 from T.G Holdcroft Motors of Stoke-on-Trent (the supplying dealer), Limited Edition Carlos Sainz GT4 numbered pamphlet unique to this car, original period sales Brochure, eight old MOTs including the current, valid until August 2023 recording four advisories and some invoices.

Invoices of note include a major service incorporating a timing belt change and clutch renewal at a cost of £1,462 in March 2016 at 113,493 miles by Talbot Garage Ltd of Market Drayton, new HT leads in August 2016, replacement radiator in November 2016. The vendor also tells us he sourced and fitted a replacement new fuel tank although this is undocumented.

An exciting and rare opportunity to restore a rally homologation legend.

For more information contact - [email protected]