The fourth-generation Toyota Celica is one of the more recognizable eras of Toyota’s classic hot hatch, and when it was new, you’d see them everywhere. The pop up headlights, rear spoiler, louvers on the back glass – it was the quintessential entry-level sports car. But the truly sporting model was the limited-production All-Trac Turbo, which effectively became a homologation model stemming from Toyota’s rally-bred coupe. Find this survivor All-Trac here on eBay with bids to $20,099 and the reserve unmet.
This car has been floating around the internet for a few years now, as it’s one of the only examples left of this rare high-performance model in bone-stock condition with no rust. There’s only 15,500 miles on the clock, so this is undoubtedly a survivor in every way. These cars were typically modified beyond recognition once they worked their down to the third or fourth owner, and if the bigger turbos didn’t kill them, the rust almost certainly did.
This Celica was last seen on a popular internet auction site where it didn’t mean reserve at just over $19,000. The listing then noted that the Celica was originally sold new in New England – Greenfield, Massachusetts to be exact – which makes it even more incredible that it’s not rotten. With a driver-focused cockpit, nicely bolstered bucket seats, and a 5-speed manual to make that air-to-water intercooled 3S-GTE dance to the driver’s delight, the All-Trac was a driver’s delight. Check out the Celica’s cockpit – absolutely mint condition.
The engine bay is in beautiful condition, with factory decals and badges all in mint condition. The All-Trac is a rare combination of a survivor in the best spec with incredibly low mileage, so I don’t blame the seller for holding out for the most money possible. I can’t confirm whether it’s the same owner who listed the Celica in 2018 that has it listed now, but the photos and description seem pretty similar. With 182 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque on tap and a center diff that’s manually lockable, this is a wicked snow or road machine that will almost certainly hold its value.
Very cool cars, from the 4wd experts at Toyota.
This Toyota was so underrated for the performance. I seen these cars used for off-road racing back in the late 80s early 90s kind of reminds me of the Mitsubishi GSX that was a cool car. This also was used for off-road racing. I am going to guess the reserve is north of $25,000. This is a well-kept time capsule of this All wheel drive Turbo. It is a beautiful shape and it’s amazing that it stay this way all this time. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
That is a beautiful and apparently well-preserved little ‘Yota! I’d love to take it for a spin around the country.
I wonder about parts availability for the older and unusual models. Maybe this Celica won’t get driven enough to worry about it until the zombie apocalypse or when the machines become self aware and take us all out.
My daily driver, 2009 AWD Vibe (Toyota Matrix clone) recently blew the rear differential out and acc. to the transmission shop, these new parts are no longer available through GM. Unusual used parts have thus gone way up in price since they are now in higher demand. Junkyards aren’t owned by stupid people and these folks are familiar w/ supply and demand.
I of course asked about AWD Matrix parts and was told that in theory they may fit but there’s no guarantee and I’d be on the hook for return shipping if they didn’t, plus possible labor charges.
Anyway, I paid $1K for USED differential parts plus install. The part that really bothers me is that the used parts are as old as my ’09 so this could happen again.
Oh well! It’s been a good car for 145K miles. Maybe it’ll go another 145K with no further problems.
Have a good day!
The Matrix parts would fit. The Matrix and Vibe are mechanically identical to each other in every way.
Hi Derrick-
Yeah, that’s what I thought but the price wasn’t much different and I’d still have used parts apparently. I guess I didn’t make that part of the story too clear.
Have a good one!
Lothar
Guy wants/wanted $40k for it. It’s a really nice example but $40k gets a lot of better options in my opinion.
I used to work on these back in the 90’s at a shop called Toysport. They were a pain to do the clutches. We handled the the turbo cars the local south bay area dealerships, in California, didn’t want to touch. Great cars and fun to drive. The shop had a “parts” chaser that was a first gen Rav4 with an All Trac drive train, what a treat.
I could see this asking price of an st180 or st200. These were not the prominent models of Celica. Used as the basis of change. Comparable to fords mustang 2 or probe gt. As grand as it would be to own, parts are few and very far between. I wouldn’t dare take it on the road. Not as simple of a vehicle to repair or keep a float such as an American vehicle of the same time period
No way in heck would I buy this car and not drive it everyday the weather permitted, parts availability be damned. I remember reading about these back when they were new in all the car magazines I subscribed to and they all said they were awesome cars to drive. I personally think the seller wants unrealistic money for it but hey, it’s not my car and maybe he doesn’t really want to sell it. Maybe he has a wife that hates it and wants him to sell it and so he’s asking for ridiculous money so it doesn’t sell. I know I’ve done that with a few cars in my time.
I owned a Red Canadian version which is called the Celica GTS turbo 4WD which has 190 horsepower and foot pounds due to looser emission regulations. 1990-96, Sunroof and front abs, 215.60.14 bf goodrich comp TA VR summer and Toyo observe g02 195.65.14. Donated it to the Red Cross in 96. Saw 1 OTR summer 2022, looked and sounded stock.