Description
Few cars have changed their focus quite so much in their lifetime as the Subaru Impreza. This was a saloon – and an estate car – that first launched in 1992 and had its roots firmly in rallying and motorsport, with the likes of Colin McRae helping to give this car a legacy few could equal. The Impreza STi Type-R was a Japanese-only model and was introduced to the Japanese Domestic Market in January 1997. Utilising the two-door bodyshell, it is slightly stronger/ stiffer than the 4 door version and a solid rear bulkhead increased torsional stiffness even further. It had several features aimed directly at homologation for rallying and this is the model that Prodrive used for its 'Group N' customer cars and was also the donor vehicle for the 'Group A' WRC in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Here are some specifications for the Subaru Impreza STi Type R: Engine: EJ20 STi Boxer engine with a red top forged engine and IHI VF23 turbo-charged Horsepower: 393. 1 bhp Torque: 360 ft/ lb Redline: 7, 900 rpm Transmission: Five-speed close ratio gearbox Drive: Permanent four-wheel drive Differential: Limited slip differential with Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) Weight: 1240 kilos Features: STI seats, intercooler water spray with automatic or manual control This lovely version 4 example - Model Code: GC8E2DD and VIN No: GC8-064872 is a 98MY car that was built in late 1997 and it is one of only 1, 734 version 4 cars built and one of 1299 in produced in Feather White. It was imported to the UK in 2003 by Japanese car specialist Car Imports Direct Ltd and first registered by them on 1st October 2003. It was subsequently sold by them to its first proper owner in Kingsbridge, Devon on 12th October 2003 and the original mileage on the car at this time was 68, 812 (110, 739 Kms) from new. We don't know how or why, but it appears that the engine suffered significant damage in 2013 @ circa 84, 000 miles which meant it required a new engine block and a full rebuild. All works were undertaken by Devonshires Garage in Torpoint, Cornwall with most parts supplied and engine rebuilt by well known specialist engine tuner Alan Jeffrey Engineering of Plymouth in Devon. Works included a full rebore with new Mahle Pistons, Cosworth Head Gaskets, RCM Oil Pump, ARP studs and ACL bearings, a Turbo Tecnics T36 Turbo Charger, new 8500cc injectors and a new RCM Manifold kit with Titanium wrap. In addition, Alan Jeffrey carried out a re-mapping of the Alcatek ECU and on a Dyno Dynamics Test it was producing 393. 1 HP. The total cost of the engine rebuild including all parts and associated works came to £8, 467. 14 and upon completion the mileage recorded on the MOT in August 2014 was 85, 446 miles. Since then, the car has covered a further 12, 000 miles and the current mileage is now 97, 557 miles from new. The car has a full service history from Japan including its original maintenance book detailing all services carried out and the mileages covered and it also comes with all its original books and manuals and invoices for parts and works since it has been here in the UK including the invoices for the engine rebuild. Overall, this car is is in lovely condition with excellent bodywork and paint and the engine bay looks superb. The interior trim is very nice, although the drivers seat is showing some signs of wear, but otherwise very presentable. A fabulous and rare car that needs no introduction, the Subaru Imprezza WRX Type-R STi is just a truly great classic, and one to keep in your garage! Upon sale the car will come with a pre-sales service plus our own customer care package including a 55-point pre-delivery inspection and 6 months mechanical breakdown Parts & Labour Warranty which can be upgraded and extended at additional cost if required. It has just been MOT'd and this runs until 14th October 2025. Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake, South West London. NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to
