Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD | Hasegawa 1:24

15 October 2025

Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski

In 1987, a young Spanish driver made his debut on the stages of Rally Portugal. Driving a privately entered, rear-wheel-drive Ford Sierra RS Cosworth in the iconic Marlboro livery, he set the fastest time on the very first stage. Could there be a better debut in the World Rally Championship? Well, perhaps - like winning the rally itself!


Unfortunately, after seven special stages, the turbocharger failed, forcing the crew to retire from the event. Carlos Sainz and Luis Moya -because, of course, it was them - caused quite a stir, proving their talent and impressing everyone with their performance behind the wheel of the Ford in 1987 and 1988. This eventually led to a contract with the fast-growing Toyota team in 1989. The results came quickly: Sainz claimed his first World Championship title in 1990.

 

 

 

 

In early May 1992, on the French island of Corsica - known among rally drivers for its narrow, winding mountain tarmac stages - Carlos Sainz arrived as the leader of the 1992 championship standings. After winning the previous year’s edition of the Rally of France, he was naturally considered one of the main favorites for victory. However, a poor tire choice on the opening stages, combined with the brilliant pace of the French competitors, quickly and painfully dashed the Spanish crew’s hopes for a win - or even a podium finish.

 

 

 

In the end, Didier Auriol in the Lancia Delta HF Integrale “Super Delta” proved unbeatable, winning after 618 kilometers of special stages with a margin of 1 minute 26 seconds over Delecour in the Ford, and 3 minutes 15 seconds ahead of the second factory Lancia driven by Bugalski. France had every reason to celebrate - the entire podium was taken by French crews! Sainz, in the ever-improving Toyota, finished just off the podium in fourth place, 4 minutes and 33 seconds behind the leader.
 

Ultimately, Sainz went on to win the 1992 season, delivering a masterclass in consistency and speed - the key to his success. The crew claimed victory in four rounds, which was enough to secure their second World Championship title, despite Auriol’s six rally wins. The Frenchman, however, was hampered by team rotation policies and bad luck, which prevented him from beating the Spaniard.

 

 

 

 

The base of this project is the Hasegawa kit - one I wouldn’t recommend even to my worst enemy...Many components were transplanted from Tamiya’s Toyota Celica kit. The wheels are from Big Model, and the decals come from SHUNKO.Work on this project took seven months and was completed in June 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski

 

 


 

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