The first generation Subaru Impreza designed by Hidefumi Kato is a timeless classic with tons of performance and rally heritage, and this is the “GF” or estate (sometimes called hatchback) model.

It features the popular EJ20 boxer flat four engine putting down 113bhp and is the 5 speed manual AWD gearbox version. The car retains almost all of the same parts as the saloon models and features a minimalist interior which is simple but comfortable, and focuses on the driving experience not interior gadgets.

The handling is as you would expect from a car with this amount of rally pedigree, sure footed and a very fun drive, with real low-traction capabilities from its AWD. A fun drive and timeless retro sporty estate. In 1997 the Impreza was awarded a gold rating by J.D. Power. A real modern classic.

The car has plenty of history. The car was registered new to its first owner on the 7th of February 1997 by a Subaru Main Dealer, Carstins based in Coventry.

She would be the first of just 3 keepers. In 2008 a family member acquired it and stayed with him until around 18 months ago when the vendor purchased the car.

For the majority of its life the car has been a second car and not used daily, the mileage is an incredible 25,555. As such the car has needed very little work done and is in truly incredible condition.

It is a truly cherished example, and one of the best survivors remaining of the approximately 313 left on British roads. They are becoming increasingly rare and almost never seen in this remarkable condition.

The current vendor is only selling it due to the fact that he feels the car belongs in a collection, and he does not wish to put any more miles on it. 

V5 is present along with 2 keys. Included is the original Subaru document pack holding all of the handbooks, point of sale literature, and original sales brochure. Also present is the service book with complete stamped entries from the supplying main dealer, Carstins.

It also included receipts for the small amount of work carried out and MOT test certificates. Paperwork is minimal with not many receipts due to the lack of work needing carried out due to the exceptionally low miles and amazing condition the car has been preserved in.

The interior of this car is in spectacular condition, truly remarkably preserved for a vehicle from 1997. Everything is totally original and in as-new condition. A real testament to the careful ownership it has had.

Even usual suspect areas prone to wear such as the drivers bolster and rubber pedal covers are in perfect condition. It is minimalist as all Subaru’s were with few luxuries or gadgets, but the simple black on grey interior is a sight to behold and in collectors condition. 

The stunning condition extends equally to the exterior, with the car being a real collectors item and is sure to be a show winning example of a modern classic. It is finished in red, with all lights and the big rally style fog lamps all clear and in perfect shape.

The only blemish if you could even call it that is a very very minor imperfection on the nearside rear wheel arch, the lacquer has slightly come away. however this would be very easy to rectify even with some fine machine polishing work.

However do not let this detract from the fact that this show car condition, the glass is all perfect, the black trims and badging is all in perfect nick, the silver alloy wheels are in excellent shape and wrapped in Goodyear Vector 4 season tyres.

Mechanically perfect the car had a brake calliper and timing belt done relatively recently. Besides those few things the car has wanted for nothing beyond regular servicing due to the lack of miles covered and careful ownership.

Under the bonnet is a sight to behold and in as good a shape as the rest of the car. Even the exhaust tip is clean! Please take your time to view all the images as words cannot do this car justice.

An immaculate, collector condition example of a modern classic bursting with rally pedigree, this is a rare example and surely one of the best remaining survivors of this car in existence today.

Not to be missed!


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