Man on a Mission

The end result is a machine that appears relatively normal, and is anything but. His 1996 Toyota Celica GT-4 is a ST205, a limited-edition missile created to contest the World Rally Championship.

But Clint is no hoon. If he wants thrills, he heads to a circuit. “I enjoy my car for what it is. The best part about my car has been building it.”

What’s changed? Easier to say what hasn’t. Even the original engine has gone. “I guess the car is showing off what I can do, but it’s also been a training aid for me.”

It’s been trial and error, he says. “With performance cars you find that some things work, and some don’t. So, you have to replace bits that expire with parts that are bigger and better.”

The door handles and rear spoiler look factory, but so much more isn’t. Nothing under the bonnet has escaped attention, and even things that look normal, aren’t. 

Obviously, a lot of pocket money has gone into this car, but what could have been a truly big budget rebuild was kept in check by his ability to undertake almost every facet of the work personally. What couldn’t be bought, he’s made.

Working with spanners since he was knee-high to dad, a stockcar racer, Clint has progressed to become a top Toyota New Zealand technician, until recently being in charge of the head office workshop. His love for Toyota began with an apprenticeship.

“I found they were so easy to work on. Once I started on them, I thought you’d be a mug not to own one.”

While the power has rocketed, the car is tame enough to be Clint’s daily drive. “It’s a bit of an animal on the track, but I can also take it to work without problem.”

In addition to racing the Celica, he’s started showing it, which requires a super-perfect level of presentation. Lift the bonnet and it’s difficult to understand that petrol and oil are still the lifeblood. It’s spotless.

Isn’t he worried about the car being stolen or damaged?

“I’m petrified of damaging it,” he confesses.