Tamiya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185: TT-02 Shaft-Driven 1/10 Touring Car Kit
The Tamiya rendition of the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 presents a rally-derived silhouette adapted for on-road touring modelers. This kit reproduces the RC rally competition version with a lightweight polycarbonate body scaled to the original proportions and mounted on the TT-02 shaft-driven 4WD platform. The full-size ST185 earned manufacturer and driver titles in 1993 and was built as a homologation model; the kit echoes that competition intent in its visual cues and drivetrain layout.
Chassis and mechanical layout
The TT-02 chassis emphasizes balance and user-friendly serviceability. Its longitudinal layout places the battery to one side and the motor to the other, promoting a predictable weight distribution. The shaft-driven 4WD architecture combines a bathtub-type frame, front and rear plastic 4-bevel differentials and a range of selectable gear ratios. The platform offers multiple wheelbase and ride-height options, making it straightforward to set up for display or general hobby driving without requiring advanced modifications.
Body, wheels and scale presence
The polycarbonate body is formed to reflect the ST185's curved fenders and rally-derived details. Five-spoke wheels are fitted with semi-pneumatic racing radial tires, giving the assembled model a realistic stance on its 257mm wheelbase. Brake-disc style wheel hubs and period front bumper supports are retained in the kit to enhance visual authenticity at display distances common among collectors.
Design and component characteristics
Mechanical details in the kit include a bathtub-type frame, three-piece steering tie-rod, and four-wheel double wishbone suspension with friction-type dampers front and rear. The geartrain uses a shaft drive with selectable overall gear ratios; the set-up included in the kit is one of several possible ratios for the TT-02. A Type 540 motor is the powerplant that suits the platform in its factory configuration.
Who this kit suits
This assembly kit is appropriate for hobbyists who want a familiar, serviceable TT-02 platform combined with a recognizable rally-derived body. It is a reasonable choice for modelers focused on accurate scale appearance and straightforward mechanical layout, and for collectors who prioritize period-correct proportions and a clean, display-ready finish.
Specifications
- Length: 450 mm
- Width: 187 mm
- Height: 136 mm
- Wheelbase: 257 mm
- Tire width/diameter: 27/67 mm (front & rear)
- Frame: Bathtub-type frame
- Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
- Differentials: Front/rear 4-bevel plastic differentials
- Steering: 3-piece steering tie-rod
- Suspension: 4-wheel double wishbone suspension
- Dampers: Front/rear friction dampers
- Gear ratio: 8.27:1 (additional ratios possible with separately-sold pinions)
- Motor: Type 540 motor
- Electronic Speed Control (ESC): Not Included
The Tamiya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 kit pairs a historically significant rally body with the adaptable TT-02 shaft-driven 4WD chassis. Its combination of recognizable styling and a stable platform makes it a practical choice for modelers seeking an assembly project that balances display value with mechanical clarity.
