Toyota Celica Rally Cars of the 1990's by Trofeu & Vitesse.


There have been two manufacturers in the last decade who have satisfied the rally enthusiast with producing accurate 1/43 scale model rally cars. Both from Portugal, Vitesse and Trofeu have produced over 400 different diecast rally models in the last ten years.
Trofeu diecast models first appeared on the scene in 1989 with a one piece A4 flysheet showing their first models, in picture the Ford Sierra Cosworth, and in sketch form the Toyota Celica GT4. These were followed in subsequent years by the Ford Escort MK1, Mitsubishi Galant VR4, Subaru Impreza 555 and Impreza WRC. This article examines the Toyota Celica's produced by Trofeu and the Toyota Corolla's produced by Vitesse.
Vitesse have been on the scene since 1983, producing many different versions of past and present rally cars. The previous edition of "Motor Sport Collector" covered the Lancia O37 Rallye and Delta. Subsequent years gave us the Opel Manta 400, Opel Ascona 400, Peugeot 205 T16, Renault Meganne, Mini Cooper anr Escort WRC to name but a few. Recently they produced the Toyota Corolla WRC which is covered in this article.

Toyota Celica GT4
The latest rally weapon of the Group A era for Toyota Team Europe (TTE), the Celica GT4, was debuted on the 1988 Tour de Corse Rally, in the hands of Juha Kankkunen and Kenneth Eriksson. The debut was not perfect with Kankkunen retiring with a blown engine and Eriksson finishing down in sixth place. TTE would test the Celica all year, without any wins, and embark on a full World Rally Championship Program the following year in 1989.
Trofeu released their first models of the GT4 in December 1990. The interior contained bucket seats with belts, internal fuel tank,and a spare wheel. The first was 020.1, "TTE-Monte Carlo 1990", limited to 10,000 models, the car that Carlos Sainz used to finish second. 020.2 "TTE-Tour de Corse 1990", limited to 6,000 models, also driven by Carlos Sainz. These models also had the correct "Marlboro" decals in place, in future years these were to be omitted due to tobacco restrictions on model cars. During the next year a number of versions appeared, in lesser numbers, as used by the various semi works teams around Europe, these were: 021 "BASTOS", 022 "BP", 023 "FINA", 024"WINSTON", and 029 "MOBIL". These models were from the original casting, with the wing mirrors being cast versions. Road car versions were also available, 016 in white, 017 in red, 018 in black and 019 in grey. The road cars were all limited to 2500 pieces. The Fina version was available in a promotional box in the colours of that oil company.
After the above models were produced, the casting changed slightly, the cast mirrors were omitted, to be replaced by accurate stick on versions, that were found stuck to the underneath of the packaging. The first of these models was 025 "TTE-Monte Carlo 1991" limited to 3500 pieces, the actual model had only the "Marlboro" branding, but not the wording. This was followed by 026 "TTE-Portugal 1991", which was limited to 2000 pieces. The catalogue shows 026 complete with "Marlboro" decals, but UK models at least just had a space instead due to tobacco regulations. Models of the semi works teams followed, 027 "LUK , 028 "SECURICOR-1990 British Rally Champ. David Llewelin", 030 "Toyota Team Sweden". There was then a three year gap for models of the GT4, as the works teams upgraded to the Celica Turbo 4WD version, and Trofeu brought out their version, which is covered later in this article.
In 1995, the numbering system would change, all models were prefixed with a 2, thus the next model produced was 231 "TTE-1st Safari Rally 1990". This model had additional fittings of bull bar and bonnet mounted spot lamps. Again the full size "Marlboro" decals were missing. The 1995 catalogue actually shows a model of the 1991 Safari Car, the 1996 catalogue shows the correct version. 232 "Tamoil" was the last version to appear. One promotional model has also been sourced. A version of the white roadcar 016 , tampo printed on the roof with the legend "15th Anniversary 1976-1991 IKEDA Mini car shop", complete with Portuguese registration plates.
In the hands of Carlos Sainz and Luis Moya Toyota won the World Championship for Drivers with the GT4 in 1990. The car was replaced at the end of 1991, the new version was debuted on the 1992 Monte Carlo Rally, known as the Toyota Celica Turbo 4x4.
Table below Toyota Celica GT4 models.



Model No.SponsorCompetition No. / Rally
020 AToyota Team Europe2 / Monte Carlo
020 BToyota Team Europe2 / Tour de Corse
021Bastos Cigarettes4 / Costa Esmarelda
022Winston Cigarettes2 / Saturnus
023Fina15 / Tour de Corse
024BP23 / Greece
025Toyota Team Europe2 / Monte Carlo 1991
026Toyota Team Europe2 / Portugal 1991
027Luk33 / Monte Carlo 1989
028Securicor20 / RAC 1990
029Mobil4 / Portugal
030Toyota Team Sweden4 / Sweden 1992
231Repsol3 / Safari 1990
232Tamoil7 / Vosaces
PromoIkedaWhite Road Car


Toyota Celica Turbo 4X4 / ST 185
Toyota won the World Rally Championship for Drivers in 1992/93/94 with this version of the car. The cars were in "Repsol", the Spanish Oil Companies colours for 1992. But in 1993, Carlos Sainz defected to Lancia, and the team became sponsored by Castrol, as they still are to this date. This version was also known as the ST185 version.
The new version by Trofeu appeared in the model shops in October 1993. The old numbering system was in use until 1995, the old numbers being prefixed with a 4 to denote the new version. The first models were of the road car, 444 in red, 445 in metalic grey, and 446 in metalic blue. The new version now had a rollcage, and well detailed fuel tank, spare wheel, fire extinguishers and harness'. The only complaint being, the flip up headlights were modeled in the down position, but the rallly cars, with the exception of Tour de Corse, always ran with them up. The "Repsol" cars used by TTE were modeled as 447-Monte Carlo1992 , 448-Portugal 1992, and 452-Safari Rally. The Safari car had extra bull bars, bonnet mounted spotlamps, and snorkel air intake for traversing swollen rivers.
As already mentioned, Carlos Sainz departed to Lancia in 1993, and took the Repsol sponsorship with him. The "Castrol" cars were debuted on that years Monte Carlo event, and won in the hands of Didier Auriol. This car was modeled as 449 -Monte Carlo 1993. Other victories followed in the subsequent two years, of which some were reproduced by Trofeu. 450-1000 Lakes 1993, 453-Safari Rally 1993, 454-Portugal 1994, 455-Tour de Corse 1994, and 459-Safari Rally 1995. The Safari car now sported a spare wheel mounted over the rear windscreen. A slight variation on the "Castrol" livery was 456- Safari Rally 1994 "The Flying Sausage". Local driver, Ian Duncan, usually completed all TTE's pre Safari testing over the outback roads of Kenya. As Toyota had already entered three Castrol cars on the event, he was asked to fund his own entry in the fourth Celica. A company called "Farmers Choice" sponsored the car, with the branding "Flying Sausage" on the car. The usual green/red Castrol livery colours were changed for the same livery in red/blue, and the "Flying Sausage" was born . Some of the "Castrol" cars were available in "Castrol" promotional boxes.
The Works cars eventually filtered down to the semi works teams, spurning another batch of liveries, 451-Toyota Parts / Ypres 1992, 457- Esso / Madeira 1994, and a rallycross version 458-Shell 1994. A special promotional version of the Metalic black roadcar, complete with the red motorsport ovals from the "Repsol" cars was issued to trade dealers at the 45 Nurenberg Trade Toy Fair in 1994. This came on a wooden plinth, and inscription, depicting the Toy Fair, and it's model number of the run of 500 models.
The old St185 model was pensioned off by the works team in late 1994, the new version was to be known as the Celica GT4 again, or the St205. It debuted on the Rallye Sanremo by Juha Kankkunen, but Didier Auriol won the event in the old St185 version !
Table below Toyota Celica ST185 models.



Model No.SponsorCompetition No. / Rally
047Toyota Team Europe2 / Monte Carlo 1992
048Toyota Team Europe9 / Portugal 1992
049Castrol3 / Monte Carlo
050Castrol4 / 1000 Lakes
051Toyota Genuine Parts16 / Ypres 1992
052Repsol8 / Safari 1992
053Castrol1 / Safari 1993
054Castrol2 / Portugal 1994
055Castrol5 / Tour de Corse
056Flying Sausage3 / Safari 1996
057Esso2 / Madeira 1994
458Shell121 / Rallycross
459Castrol3 / Safari 1995
PromoNuremberg Toy FairBlack Road Car
KMD 05Taranto de Pol19 / Donegal 2000



Toyota Celica GT4 / ST205
This version of the GT4 had improved aerodynamics, front suspension, bigger wheels and water injection for the engine. Toyota used it to good effect until they were found using an illegal "adjustable" turbo on the 1995 Rally Catalunya, which gave them a twelve month ban from competition.
Trofeu's latest version came out in March 1997, which was also greatly improved, with a more detailed interior, extensive rollcage, fuel tank, twin aerials, and brake discs, complete with calipers. As is usual tradition, the first model was a roadcar, but this time known as "Muleto" or test car. Available as 701w - white, 701r - red and 701y - yellow. These were the recce cars used by the works team for reconnaissance prior to the rallies. Complete with rally car interior less the roll cage. Again, the "Castrol" works cars were produced, but less than in previous years due to TTE's one year ban. 702- "TTE-2nd RAC Rally 1994", 704- "TTE-3rd Monte Carlo 1995", 705 - "TTE-2nd Rally Portugal 1995", 707- "TTE-1st Tour de Corse", and 713- "TTKenya-Safari'96". In 1995, the 1000 Lakes Rally, did not qualify for the Manufacturers World Championship, TTE entered a "Valmet Tractors" sponsored car for Juha Kankkunen in his home event, this was 709- "Valmet".
Because of the enforced lay off during most of 1996, semi works team such as Grifone, ran many cars for other drivers, these were modeled by Trofeu during 1997. Well financed Portuguese driver Rui Madeira, used a Grifone run car on five World Championship events during 1996. The car he won the Rally of Portugal was modeled as 706- "GALP", and the one used on the 1000 Lakes Rally as 703- "Gas de Portugal". The team ran Gilberto Pianezzola on the Sanremo Rally, this was 708- "ESSO". They also ran Didier Auriol on the 1997 Rally of Argentina, this was 711- "OMP" From other teams, the following Celica's were modeled 710- "Seven Up-Monte Carlo'97" and 712- "ESSO ULTRON-Ypres'97".
A series of four Celica's were produced for Trofeu's Netherland's importer Replicars BV, which accounts for their REP code numbers. They were the Toyota Team Belgium cars sponsored by "Marlboro". Due to tobacco advertising laws, all needed the "Marlboro" decals putting on by the purchaser. These were REP 01- "Marlboro-Boucles de Spa'96", REP02- "Marlboro-Boucles de Spa'97", and REP03- "Marlboro-Ypres'97". The fourth model, was the "Castrol" car used by Freddy Loix on the Monte Carlo'97, but complete with correct "Marlboro" decals as used on the 1st Superspecial around the GrandPrix circuit in Monacco. Once the cars left the Principality, they reverted to "No Smoking" decals, half crescents for the Subaru's, and orange rectangles for the Toyota's. This model was REP 04. These models were generally only available on the continent, and are quite rare items.
Other specials, include MIN 04, a yellow/red car used by the Menem Junior team on the 1997 Rally Catalunya. Slower Model Cars of Italy, produced 100 only, of this one, SM1 was that used by Cesar Baroni on the 1996 Rally Madeira, and sponsored by "Motornet".
Table below Toyota Celica ST205 models.



Model No.SponsorCompetition No. / Rally
701Muletto / Test CarRed / White / Yellow
702Castrol1 / RAC 1994
703Gas de Portugal14 / 1000 Lakes
704Castrol2 / Monte Carlo 1995
705Castrol2 / Portugal 1995
706GALP1 / Portugal 1996
707Castrol1 / Tour de Corse 1995
708Esso21 / San Remo 1996
709Valmet2 / 1000 Lakes 1996
7107 UP12 / Monte Carlo 1997
711OMP7 / Argentina 1997
712Esso Ultron9 / Ypres 1996
REP 01Marlboro5 Spa 1996
REP 02Marlboro5 / Spa 1997
REP 03Marlboro2 / Ypres 1996
REP 04Castrol / Marlboro8 / Monte Carlo 1997
MIN 04Menem Junior10 / Catalunya 1997
SM 1Motornet6 / Madeira 1996
KMD 06Taranto de Pol5 / Donegal 2000


Toyota Corolla WRC as modeled in 1/43 diecast.


This was developed by TTE during their one year ban, it was the first of the new breed of World Rally Cars (WRC'S) to be based on the then to be launched Toyota Corolla. It utilised the same engine as the previous Celica, but was considerably shorter in wheelbase and length. It was launched in July 1997, and competed on its first event, the traditional event that teams use for practice prior to the 1000 Lakes Rally, the Alpina Mantta 200 Rally in Finland. It finished 3rd overall in the hands of Marcus Gronholm. It debuted on the World Rally scene later in the month on the "Rally of Finland". It lead the event for a time before eventually finishing 8th overall.
Castrol were still sponsoring the works team, despite "cheating". This time it was Vitesse's turn to produce a Toyota model. The models contained full roll cages, dashboard detail, fire extinguishers, and sparewheels. For a RRP of £20.45, they are masterpieces in miniature Those versions debuted on the "Rally of Finland" were produced in May 1998. V98017 was the Didier Auriol car and V98018 the more decaled version of Marcus Gronholm.
The livery was to change slightly in 1998, after the Safari, each individual event was depicted on the side of the cars in motif form, Finland was trees, while the Acropolis was the Greek Gods. V98063 was the car used by Carlos Sainz to win the 1998 Monte Carlo Rally. This livery change for each event in 1998, is being comemerated by Vitesse issuing a special limited edition run of 1500 models, one from each event of the 1998 calendar, with special boxes. These models are detailed in table **** , and should appear during 1999. Toyota Corolla models are also available, in special promotional boxes, direct from TTE in Germany, ordered via their web site at www.tte.de
The cars again filtered down to the Semi works teams, Toyota Team Belgium used a Marlboro sponsored car for Freddy Loix. This was even used to beat the works teams in the early part of 1998. V98088 was modeled on the car used by the team on the 1998 Rally of Portugal, but missing the correct "Marlboro" wording. The Grifone team had replaced their old Celica's with a small fleet of the new Corolla WRC's. The 1998 Italian Champion was Andrea Aghini, the car he used on thar years Mille Miglia Rally was modeled as V98092. The Portuguese Importer used a TTE Corolla for local driver P.M.Chaves on the 1998 Rally Portugal, this originally was produced as a promotional model in a special box during 1998, but was modeled as V98095, during early 1999. Others included V98131 "GALP" driven by Rui Madeira on Catalunya 1998 and V98165 the "Mobil" sponsored car of Czech driver M.Dolak. From 1999 onwards, Vitesse producd many more Corolla WRC's, too numerous to mention. Check out their web site for more details..