For auto enthusiasts and gamers of a certain generation, the unveiling of Toyota's GR86-based Rally Legacy Concept at SEMA brought back nostalgic memories of classic arcade racing. Picture this: a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive two-door Toyota sporting red, white, and green racing colors—it's like stepping into the magical world of Sega Rally!

This concept is a direct homage to the legendary Celica GT-Four rally cars that dominated rally racing in the 1990s, becoming the first Japanese all-wheel-drive vehicles to clinch victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This tribute makes far more sense than Toyota's unexpected choice to model a Supra after Richard Petty's 1970 Plymouth Superbird NASCAR. However, while it stirs excitement, the reality remains that Toyota has no immediate plans to produce a rally-ready GR86. After all, with the GR Yaris currently making waves in WRC competitions and the GR Corolla available at U.S. dealerships, why would they?

But for those who have a soft spot for vintage rally cars that not only promised thrilling performance but also presented potential investment opportunities, the original Celica GT-Four or All-Trac Turbo beckons. These classic machines played a pivotal role in putting Toyota on the rallying map, and they are now captivating collectibles.

Introduced in 1970, the Celica was designed as a compact and fun coupe featuring a reliable four-cylinder engine. Its desirability has only increased over the years, with classic car enthusiasts drawn to its “mini-Mustang” aesthetic and straightforward mechanics.

A significant redesign occurred in 1985 when Toyota modernized the Celica with front-wheel-drive mechanics and a sleeker, aerodynamic body. Available in liftback, coupe, or convertible formats, this generation appealed to a sportier demographic, balancing affordability with everyday usability.

Recognizing the need to elevate the Celica into rally racing, Toyota had previously homologated 220 examples of the rear-wheel-drive Celica GT-TS for Group B. Nicknamed “The King of Africa” for its successes in the renowned Safari and Ivory Coast rallies, it raised the stakes for rally performance.

However, following safety concerns that led the FIA to dissolve Group B, Toyota needed to make a quick pivot. Its newly developed front-wheel-drive Celica architecture allowed for the creation of an all-wheel-drive version—the GT-Four, which shared a massive resemblance to its front-wheel-drive sibling but boasted significant performance upgrades.

Under the hood roared a 2.0L DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating a respectable 185 hp at 6000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque, allowing the GT-Four to punch well above its weight, especially with a curb weight under 3000 pounds. Moreover, U.S. buyers were thrilled to know that they didn’t have to wait for a decade to experience its spirited driving.

The 1988 Celica All-Trac Turbo received rave reviews upon its launch. With the backdrop of the Celica's recent win in the IMSA GTO championship lifted TS040-equipped specs, racing fans understood that this iteration meant business. On its racing front, the Celica GT-Four clinched the driver’s championship in the WRC in 1990, led by the relentless Spanish duo Carlos Sainz and navigator Luis Moya, although the manufacturer’s title eluded Toyota, narrowly missed by Lancia.

As the magic of the Celica expanded, many fans got their first taste of this rally-bred wonder through the iconic Sega Rally Championship, an arcade classic launched in 1995. It boasted a lineup of just three cars—one of which was the Celica GT-Four, adorned in its Castrol racing livery. It was groundbreaking for its time, with graphics that would now make gamers chuckle but were cutting-edge in their day, thanks to collaboration with aerospace engineers.

Sega Rally’s influence stretched beyond the arcade, inspiring later racing games like Gran Turismo and leaving a legacy that solidified the Celica in pop culture. Players were even given the chance to race a '95 Celica GT-Four in the latest iterations of the racing series!

The second-generation Celica All-Four achieved remarkable success in WRC, clinching titles from 1992 to 1994, ultimately earning Toyota its much-wanted manufacturer’s title in 1993. However, in an infamous twist in 1995, Toyota was penalized for clever engineering tactics and lost their points, paving the way for Colin McRae of Subaru to score a breakthrough win.

Collectors should note that only the first and second generations of the Celica GT-Four were graced with U.S. sales as the All-Trac Turbo, while the more glorious third generation remained exclusive to European and Japanese markets. Present scarce All-Trac Turbos often command a price between $10,000 and $15,000, making them intriguing finds for avid collectors.

Fans of the third-generation GT-Four may want to hunt down one of the 2,500 WRC homologated models, which come equipped with rally-specific features like anti-lag systems.

So, while you might not find a production rally-spec GR86 ready for sale soon, there’s a world of nostalgia waiting in the form of original Celica GT-Fours and All-Tracs or even the current GR Corolla. With limited options available, who knows how long they’ll stay within reach? If you’re lucky enough to snag a white GR Corolla, consider giving it that classic Sega Rally touch for the ultimate homage to rally glory!