Toyota Celica GT-Four RC (1991) 1:24 Hasegawa 20716

Plastic model car kit: Toyota Celica GT-Four RC (1991) 1:24 Hasegawa 20716

The Toyota Celica GT-Four RC (1991) model kit in 1:24 scale from Hasegawa is an excellent choice for automotive and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the most iconic rally cars, which gained worldwide recognition for its achievements in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:24
• Catalog number: 20716
• Length of the model when assembled: 184 mm
• Body color: White
• Includes black decals that can be applied to bodies in red, white, and gunmetal colors.

History and achievements of the Toyota Celica GT-Four: The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a high-performance model of the Celica Liftback, produced from 1986 to 1999. Equipped with a turbocharged 3S-GTE engine and all-wheel drive, it was designed for competition in the WRC. To meet homologation requirements, Toyota had to produce a sufficient number of road versions of this vehicle, resulting in the creation of special homologation versions.

The Celica GT-Four was produced in three generations: ST165, ST185, and ST205. The ST185 model, on which the presented kit is based, debuted in the WRC during the Monte Carlo Rally in 1992 and quickly achieved its first victory at the Safari Rally in the same year. The ST185 is Toyota's most decorated rally car, winning the WRC drivers' championship in 1992 and the manufacturers' and drivers' championships in 1993 and 1994.

Special features of the GT-Four RC model:

• The RC version was created to meet FIA homologation requirements for the 1992 WRC season.
• Equipped with a water-to-air intercooler, significantly improving performance in rally conditions.
• Modified hood that better directs air from the engine compartment.
• Lighter bumper with larger openings.
• Shortened throw of the gear shift lever and clutch pedal.
• Special plaque with the serial number on the center console.

The Toyota Celica GT-Four RC was available in a limited number of 5000 units, of which 1800 went to the Japanese market, 3000 to Europe, 150 to Australia, 25 to Singapore, and a few units to other markets.

Significance in WRC history: The Toyota Celica GT-Four was the first Japanese car with all-wheel drive and turbocharging to achieve success in the WRC, breaking the dominance of European manufacturers. Thanks to innovations such as the anti-lag system introduced by Toyota Team Europe, the Celica GT-Four became a symbol of Japanese engineering in motorsport.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.