Zaynes 1996 Toyota Celica GT-Four

When it comes to a high performance Toyota, most of us will jump to images of a sweet sounding 2JZ Supra tearing up the streets with a 1000hp engine and smoke coming out of the arches.

But for the owner of this particular car the Supra wasnt his Toyota Weapon of choice.

No it was decided that the ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four was plenty of car for the purpose, a great, reliable, everyday supercar.

With 240HP coming from the NZ new models, and up to 255HP coming from the JDM models, this was picked up as an import into new zealand, which means its closer to 255HP than 240, which was exactly what this owner was looking for.

Not only does it boast a rock solid 3S-GTE engine but its a full time 4WD, which means crazy amounts of grip and no "oh dear" moments when walls coming increasingly close to your rear bumper.

Believe it or not this class of performance car can be had for under $10k nowadays, and when i picked up this Celica i had never driven a GT-Four besides the previous model, the ST185 which packs 200HP.

But armed with cash and a desire to get into a 2 door red sports car, this was stolen from the dark realms of the South Island, completely blind purchased as well which is risky for a car of this nature, you never know who has driven it into the ground of course!

At present it sits on 16 inch mags, but there are plans to move up to 18 inch very soon. It has an Exedy heavy duty clutch which copes with the power just fine, and should be able to handle up to 400HP without much trouble.

Watch out for it at car meets, as a part of the NZ GT4 Owners club its always out and about!

Driver: Zayne Thompson

Car: Toyota Celica GT-Four

Owned: 4 Years

Goodies List:

• 16 inch wheels
• Garett GT2860RS Turbo 
• Full custom 3 inch Exhaust System
• 44MM Tial Wastegate (running 1.1Bar)
• HKS SSQ4 BOV
• Laile Cooling Panel
• Uprated Radiator
• 98 Spec Reinforced Block
• Farina Racing Progressive ECU
• Original TRD Spolier
• Original TRD Rear Spats
• 52mm Gauges
• Factory Recaro Seats
• Apexi Filter on Custom Made Intake Pipe
• Cusco Strut Brace
• Exedy Heavy duty clutch