Rally racing is a harsh world contested in various environments ranging from paved roads to snowy paths, but Toyota's rally machines have maintained a strong presence on that stage for many years. Since the 1970s, Toyota has actively continued to challenge the World Rally Championship, refining its technology while accumulating many victories. It was in this progression that the Celica GT-FOUR (ST185) was introduced in 1992, known for having a highly perfected structure as a dedicated rally machine. This model is a scale kit based on that famous car; rather than being a mere automobile model, it feels like the heat of the rally scene from that era has been captured exactly as it was. A major attraction of this kit is that as you assemble it, you feel as though you are reliving the golden age of rallying in the 1990s.

One reason the Celica GT-FOUR excelled in rallies lies in its superior mechanism. It was equipped with a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering 299 horsepower at the front and adopted a 4WD system to transmit powerful energy to all four wheels. Furthermore, in addition to front and rear limited-slip differentials, it featured a hydraulically controlled center differential, structured to ensure stable traction according to road conditions. While the suspension uses the same MacPherson strut system as the production car, weight reduction was pursued thoroughly in every detail, such as using aluminum for the strut cases and upper sections, and titanium for the stabilizer bars. When looking at the model while knowing this technical background, it is interesting to see that it conveys the beauty of a machine honed for competition, rather than just a simple body shape.

In 1993, this machine donned a new coloring, and oil manufacturer Castrol strengthened the competition setup as the main sponsor. In the opening round, the Monte Carlo Rally, driver Didier Auriol showed an incredible performance during the third leg on the final day. He closed the previous time gap all at once, hitting top times repeatedly in the special stages, eventually overcoming a 71-second deficit to achieve a comeback victory. It was a dramatic win passed down through rally history, and this event made the name of the Celica GT-FOUR even more widely known. That year, Juha Kankkunen won the drivers' title, and Toyota also secured the manufacturers' title, leaving behind great achievements as a team. This model is a reproduction of the very car that symbolizes that moment of glory.

The scale is 1/24, and the completed length is approximately 192mm with a width of 77mm, making it a perfect size for display. The body lines, composed of the Celica's characteristically taut curved surfaces, are carefully reproduced, allowing you to clearly feel the powerful silhouette of the actual vehicle. Reflecting that the rally stage was primarily paved roads, the model is designed with a slightly lower ride height and wide slick tires. Furthermore, driving lamps and cornering lamps intended for night driving are included as parts; when attached, they complete a powerful front mask typical of a rally car. Of course, it is also possible to assemble it without the lamps, which is a nice point as it allows you to choose the style according to your preference.

Not only the exterior, but the level of reproduction inside is also not to be missed. The interior features a roll cage, full bucket seats, and even a spare tire, all firmly reproduced to express the tense cockpit unique to a competition vehicle. Nylon mesh is used for the bumper openings, making the atmosphere of the actual car feel more realistic. The underside of the chassis is also sculpted in 3D, and the structure allows you to clearly see the front underguard and air ducts, so there are many highlights to see even when looking at the back after completion. Furthermore, the impressive red and green Castrol color graphics and sponsor logos are provided as slide marks; once finished, you can enjoy the exact atmosphere of the actual rally car. The depth of commitment in this kit is evident from the design of the 5-spoke wheels down to the markings for the tires.

This Castrol Celica is not just a plastic car model, but an object that gives form to a car symbolizing the drama of 1990s rallying. From the reproduction of the body lines and the competition-style equipment to the characteristic coloring, it is packed with the charm of a rally car no matter where you look. The true pleasure of this kit lies in being able to imagine the races of that time while assembling it, or to reflect on rally history while gazing at the finished form. I think it is a highly satisfying model not only for those who love motorsports but also for those who want to enjoy the background of famous cars.