Subaru Impreza 22B-STI Prototype, 1997
Subaru Impreza I
Subaru Impreza I•
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Chassis No.: GC8-061819
Estimate: US$450,000 - US$550,000 USD
- 2,212cc Turbocharged Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- 276bhp at 6,000rpm
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission - All Wheel Drive
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- The first prototype for the 1998 22B Impreza, number 000/400
- Displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show
- Likely the most collectible of all 22B's
- In a private collection for 20 years prior to current ownership
Following the arrival of the new Impreza Turbo model in 1993, Subaru made its long awaited breakthrough in August of that year when Colin McRae/Derek Ringer won the New Zealand Rally, the marque's first major international success. The following season brought three more World Rally Championship (WRC) victories – two for McRae and one for Carlos Sainz – before Subaru finally achieved its long-sought goal of outright victory in the World Championship in 1995.
In a closely fought contest, Subaru team-mates McRae and Sainz won five of the eight rounds between them – the split being three/two to the Spaniard – with the Drivers' Championship eventually decided in the Scot's favor by virtue of his greater consistency. Subaru also claimed the Manufacturers' title, a feat it would repeat in 1996 and again in 1997. Further Drivers' World Championships were secured in 2001, courtesy of the late Richard Burns, and in 2003 when Petter Solberg emerged triumphant.
THE CAR OFFERED
Based on the 1997 works team specification, this Subaru Impreza STI is the first prototype for the 1998 production WRC car (type 22B) and was displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 ahead of the production version's release in March 1998. Despite an asking price of 5 million yen, the 400 cars scheduled for production sold out in just two days. Built to commemorate Subaru's 40th anniversary and its third consecutive manufacturer's title in the World Rally Championship, the car was rebuilt from the ground-up with a host of new parts.
In its 1998 incarnation, the Impreza's 2.2-liter turbo-charged 'flat-four' engine produced 280PS (276bhp), which were usually downgraded power figures to satisfy Japanese government agencies. This substantial power was transmitted via a ceramic/metal clutch to the four-wheel-drive transmission, which had undergone considerable strengthening for the 22B model. Developed directly from the works team's considerable experience, the running gear featured Eibach suspension springs, Bilstein dampers, 4-pot brake calipers and BBS forged alloy wheels. The aerodynamic bodywork, with its extended wheel arches, wide front air dam, and boot-mounted spoiler, was the work of the celebrated British vehicle designer, Peter Stevens, at that time working as a consultant for Prodrive, among others.
Subaru's personal show vehicle, debuted at the 32nd annual Tokyo Auto Show in 1997. These ultra-rare pre-production Subaru 000 22B Prototypes, five in total, were gifted to Subaru and team race drivers such as Nicky Grist and Colin McRae. As promised, the first of such (061819) Subaru gifted to David Lapworth of Prodrive in 1997, the man responsible behind the championship winning widebody rally car. This is the only pre-production 000 chassis built in 1997. Chassis 061819 was Subaru's first, road legal, wide-bodied, turbocharged, carbon copy of their very own World Rally winning race car for the public. Ownership history includes Subaru of Japan, Prodrive of England, and long-term 20-year private collector ownership in Japan prior to being acquired by the seller.
Only 000070 actual kilometers (43.5 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, makes this already rare vehicle believed to be the lowest mileage example of its kind. This vehicle has never been titled nor registered for road use. This 22B has been kept in 'as new' condition by all of its owners, so much to the fact that it still wears its original Pirelli tires. Chassis 061819 set the standard for the aesthetics, being finished in Sonic Blue Mica over a black and blue interior, which was the only color combination that every 22B would be offered in. During its lifetime, the car has been serviced, and the engine was exercised to ensure normal operation and fluid circulation.
It is extremely rare for a major manufacturer to release a unique prototype for sale; indeed most are broken up or crushed after their development tasks have been fulfilled. Thus, this ultra-rare Subaru Impreza 22B-STI Limited Edition Prototype represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector.
