Having started participating in the WRC (World Rally Championship) from its inception in 1972, Toyota only fully committed to the competition in 1998. The rationale behind the change in direction from limited participation to full engagement was the dramatic lift of Toyota’s brand recognition and sales in Europe that a WRC victory would bring. The model chosen to execute this plan for world rally domination was Toyota’s first pure-bred 4WD sports car, the Celica GT-FOUR (ST165). Not only was the drive system changed from FR to FF (base model), but the exterior design was a complete shift from the wedge shape of its predecessor to the soft flowing style of the ‘stream surface’ that marked the arrival of a new era. Although results were mixed in its first year, the backing of Toyota’s financial and technical strength evolved the Celica GT-FOUR quickly into a potent rally racing weapon that scored its first victory in its second year of competition. With C.Sainz/L. Moya at the wheel, Toyota broke Lancia Delta’s stranglehold to win the first WRC title for a Japanese car in 1990. The victorious 1990 and 1991 season winning cars have been chosen as models, highlighting the different tarmac and gravel specifications.
Features
- The size of the driver’s side demister vent, shape of the light pods, addition of animal guards and wing lamps to signal oncoming vehicles, are different to the Monte Carlo specification. In addition, the snorkel is included on the Safari but not the Monte Carlo.
- There were many switches in the era of analog meters until the early 1990’s. The detailed scales can be clearly seen on the voltage gauge, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge lined up from the left on the center console. The blower switch is the same as used on the commercial model.
- Metal buckles and adjustment fittings of the Sabelt seat belts have been replicated with molded parts while material used for the seat material recreates the style and texture of the original. Although it does not open and close, the roof ventilation is also reproduced.
- The Safari has expanded fuel tank capacity to run longer distances than a normal rally. A fan on the left side of the photo is for the fuel cooler and the blue bottle is for oil. Additional equipment to survive harsh rally conditions includes two vertically mounted tires.
- Although the basic frame is the same, the year model is different to the Monte Carlo specification so there are differences in the number and position of sponsor stickers. Even precise details such as the gradual improvements in print quality have been reproduced.
- To run on gravel and rougher terrain, the Safari changed the hub mounting positions to lift vehicle height slightly compared to the Monte Carlo specification. In addition, the reduced wheel diameter was offset by increased tire height and the tread pattern changed to a rugged shape.
