Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The September Online Timed Auction on Friday the 27th of September, Online. Background:
UK-based rally preparation experts Prodrive were contracted by Subaru to run a World Rally Championship campaign, designed to help transform the Japanese manufacturer’s staid image. The programme got underway with the Legacy saloon for the 1990 season, lessons being learned and podiums being earned before the introduction of the brand-new Impreza model for the 1993 campaign.
Lighter and nimbler than its predecessor, the Impreza was a natural rally platform and once Prodrive had worked its magic, it became a rally- and Championship-winning proposition, in the hands of drivers like Markku Alen, Ari Vatanen and Colin McRae. Instantly identifiable to fans the world over, in its striking blue-and-yellow 555 livery, it became a true icon of the sport.
From 1996, with the introduction of new WRC rules, the Impreza really hit its stride, claiming three consecutive Constructors’ and three Drivers’ World Championship titles before it was replaced after the 2007 season.
For Subaru and Prodrive, it was Mission Accomplished – the rally programme made the Impreza a global superstar halo model and transformed Subaru’s image forever.
The car:
They say there’s nothing as old as last year’s racing car. The same clearly holds true for rally cars, if this remarkable barn find is anything to go by. The back-story of this old stager isn’t the usual one either: it started life in 1994 as a Japanese domestic market Impreza Supreme PRX, which was exported from Japan and converted to full Group A rally spec.
No expense was spared during the build and the car features Prodrive Speedline Wheels, carbon door cards, carbon sill protectors, carbon under-floor protection, a Lifeline fire system, water injection and full timing gear.
The car was entered into three WRC rounds in the ‘90s before living out the bulk of its competition career competing in national-level rallies both in the UK and in Ireland.
This barn find runs and drives but will of course require commissioning before use in anger, although it has just received a fresh cambelt. Some structural work will likely be required, as the floor-pan does appear to be rotten in places. As would be expected, the seats, belts and fire extinguisher are also out of date.
Summary:
This barn find represents a singular opportunity to hit the stages with a top-spec rally weapon or perhaps use as the base for a convincing Subaru works replica.
Location: Leicestershire
Seller: Trade
Photos: Professional
