Toyota Celica GT-Four - ST165 (1986-1989)

ST165 (1986-1989)

The GT-Four concept started with a convertible prototype displayed at 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. The white car with burgundy interior is the first car to be called Celica GT-Four with theme "Open Air 4WD Motoring". The convertible never went into production, but the concept went to the liftback model which began production in October 1986.

The ST165 GT-Four can be distinguished from the front-wheel-drive Celica by its front bumper, which has larger openings, and the "GT-Four" decals on the doors. Inside, the original GT-Four has differential lock switch near the hand brake for MY 1986 and 1987.

The Celica GT-Four was updated in October 1987. As with other front-drive Celicas, the ST165 received a new grille, tail lights, and alloys. The export version also has ground effects, noticeably the side spoilers and dual front round fog lights. The center differential was changed from a manually lockable unit (either open or locked) to a viscous-coupling limited-slip type. The GT-Four is marketed in the USA as All-Trac Turbo and in Canada as 4WD Turbo.

The ST165 was not sold in North America before 1988 except for seventy-seven special-edition cars sold to commemorate Toyota's IMSA GTO championship win. These Celicas are all white with white wheels and blue interior and have "IMSA GTO CHAMPION" printed in small letters on the side moulding, as well as a white stripe on the grill. One car was sold at each of the 77 Toyota dealerships in California. They were sold in 1987 as 1988 models, and do have the viscous-coupling center differential.

The ST165 was the only car to be sold with the first version of Toyota's 3S-GTE. It developed 182-190 hp (depending on the market & model year) and 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) of torque.