1996 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 Ex McRae family
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Highlights
- Previously owned by the legendary McRae family
- Comprehensive history & correspondence
- Recent mechanical overhaul and engine rebuild
- Excellent investment opportunity
- One-of-a-kind history
The Appeal
Despite its rather modest styling in comparison to later variants, the Turbo 2000 Impreza is highly sought after by enthusiasts for its raw driving experience, characterful handling, and of course, its rally pedigree.
This particular example also boasts far more connection to its rally heritage than the majority of other examples, having been owned by the McRae family between 1996 and 1999.
This Impreza was the McRae family’s runaround, with Colin, Jimmy, and Alister McRae known to have spent time behind the wheel.
This Impreza was the McRae family’s runaround, with Colin, Jimmy, and Alister McRae known to have spent time behind the wheel.
It should go without saying that very few road-going vehicles in the world have history this impressive, let alone connections to one of the most renowned motorsport families of all time.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Subaru to add to your collection, this Turbo 2000 will never fail to impress with its unique backstory and incredible aura.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Subaru to add to your collection, this Turbo 2000 will never fail to impress with its unique backstory and incredible aura.
The History and Paperwork
- Ex-McRae family owned
- Original bill of sale included
- Early V5C document further verifies McRae ownership
- Original Subaru handbooks
- Original service booklet with stamps
- Recent engine rebuild
- MOT until July 2023
First registered in January 1996, this may very well be one of the earlier Turbo 2000 Imprezas ever released in the UK. The car is also one of the few to have served as an original Subaru UK press vehicle, before making its way to the McRae family, as shown by the included early V5C document.
As verified by correspondence between the current keeper, this Impreza was used as the family run about, with all 3 rally champions said to have used the car throughout their ownership. Although this Subaru was spared from the McRae’s legendary rally courage, there is an aura of legend surrounding the car, and one does wonder about the memories made in this Turbo 2000.
Looking to ensure this piece of motoring history goes on to be further enjoyed, the current keeper has done a fantastic job at maintaining the vehicle, even treating it to a light restoration following its time with previous owners. Rather recently, in fact, the vehicle received a full engine rebuild at considerable expense, as highlighted by the included invoice.
Naturally, the car also received a new water pump, cambelt and the expected consumables, along with a replacement factory exhaust system, a new battery and new tyres.
The car now presents itself in excellent mechanical condition and offers buyers a very characterful, yet perfectly usable Turbo 2000. This vehicle would no doubt make a unique investment for any collector, or a quirky weekend toy for a motorsport enthusiast looking for something with a one-of-a-kind backstory.
As verified by correspondence between the current keeper, this Impreza was used as the family run about, with all 3 rally champions said to have used the car throughout their ownership. Although this Subaru was spared from the McRae’s legendary rally courage, there is an aura of legend surrounding the car, and one does wonder about the memories made in this Turbo 2000.
Looking to ensure this piece of motoring history goes on to be further enjoyed, the current keeper has done a fantastic job at maintaining the vehicle, even treating it to a light restoration following its time with previous owners. Rather recently, in fact, the vehicle received a full engine rebuild at considerable expense, as highlighted by the included invoice.
Naturally, the car also received a new water pump, cambelt and the expected consumables, along with a replacement factory exhaust system, a new battery and new tyres.
The car now presents itself in excellent mechanical condition and offers buyers a very characterful, yet perfectly usable Turbo 2000. This vehicle would no doubt make a unique investment for any collector, or a quirky weekend toy for a motorsport enthusiast looking for something with a one-of-a-kind backstory.
The Interior
- Correct UK spec interior
- Excellent condition
- Nardi shift knob
- Signed sun visors
A peek inside this Impreza’s cabin reveals a very well-preserved interior, that presents itself brilliantly for its age with few defects. Albeit rather modest in comparison to later Impreza interiors, the cabin has been fitted with the correct UK spec interior and offers plenty of comfort and support in the corners.
It should be noted that the current keeper went to great expense and difficulty to re-install a correct interior to match what the McRae family would have experienced throughout their time with the car.
As the images reflect, the seats are in fantastic condition for their age, with seemingly only the driver’s seat showing minor signs of use. The rear seats appear as though they have hardly been used throughout their life, and could quite easily fool you for being new.
Carpeting throughout the interior also presents itself very well, as do the mats over top. The headlining follows closely, with only a couple of marks, and some potentially rectifiable discolouration. All 4 door cards look excellent for their age, with only the expected signs of age, and a minor mark on the rear left passenger’s door card.
Although hardly packed to the brim with luxury comforts and fancy technology, buyers will be pleased to know that all electronic components throughout the interior are believed to be in full working order.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it's time to move to what makes this Impreza’s interior truly one of a kind. In addition to having once been graced with the presence of the 3 legendary rally champions, the interior shows off 3 signatures along the sun visors.
The driver’s sun visor bears the signature of 5x British rally champion and father of the late Colin McRae; Jimmy McRae. The passenger’s sun visor is signed by 1995 British rally champion Alister McRae, and his son Max McRae; no doubt the next generation of rally talent.
It should be noted that the current keeper went to great expense and difficulty to re-install a correct interior to match what the McRae family would have experienced throughout their time with the car.
As the images reflect, the seats are in fantastic condition for their age, with seemingly only the driver’s seat showing minor signs of use. The rear seats appear as though they have hardly been used throughout their life, and could quite easily fool you for being new.
Carpeting throughout the interior also presents itself very well, as do the mats over top. The headlining follows closely, with only a couple of marks, and some potentially rectifiable discolouration. All 4 door cards look excellent for their age, with only the expected signs of age, and a minor mark on the rear left passenger’s door card.
Although hardly packed to the brim with luxury comforts and fancy technology, buyers will be pleased to know that all electronic components throughout the interior are believed to be in full working order.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it's time to move to what makes this Impreza’s interior truly one of a kind. In addition to having once been graced with the presence of the 3 legendary rally champions, the interior shows off 3 signatures along the sun visors.
The driver’s sun visor bears the signature of 5x British rally champion and father of the late Colin McRae; Jimmy McRae. The passenger’s sun visor is signed by 1995 British rally champion Alister McRae, and his son Max McRae; no doubt the next generation of rally talent.
The Exterior
- Partly restored and rust treated
- 17” Prodrive alloys
- Classic GC8 styling
- Great condition
Prior to being acquired by the current keeper, the vehicle was in a rather sorry state, in need of light restoration. Although we would surely all like to imagine the McRae family having once flown through a gravelled forest track in the vehicle, the prior bodywork issues were simply due to the sheer age of the vehicle.
As enthusiasts will know, this is of course, not uncommon for Turbo 2000s nowadays.
In order to further preserve this characterful Subaru, the current owner replaced both outer sills, both lower pockets and both rear arches. Now, the car presents itself brilliantly, showing only very minor defects and all the characterful charm of red paintwork.
As is the case with the majority of aged red vehicles, this Turbo 2000’s paintwork shows a multitude of shades, and would greatly benefit from a professional’s touch. That being said, the current keeper’s restoration work set this example in very high standings when compared to a great deal of other Turbo 2000 examples.
As is a welcome tradition with Subarus, this Impreza sits on a lovely set of 17” Prodrive alloy wheels, finished in that classic shade of gold. These wheels proved to be far greater of a challenge to decide upon, as the current keeper wished to revert the car to how the McRae family would have experienced it.
Through correspondence with family members and Prodrive, it was determined that this set of Speedline wheels would match what was fitted to the car in 1996. Having seen very little of the road since being fitted, the wheels present themselves near flawlessly and contrast beautifully against the red bodywork. As an added bonus, the matching Falken tyres offer plenty of tread to be enjoyed out on the open road.
As enthusiasts will know, this is of course, not uncommon for Turbo 2000s nowadays.
In order to further preserve this characterful Subaru, the current owner replaced both outer sills, both lower pockets and both rear arches. Now, the car presents itself brilliantly, showing only very minor defects and all the characterful charm of red paintwork.
As is the case with the majority of aged red vehicles, this Turbo 2000’s paintwork shows a multitude of shades, and would greatly benefit from a professional’s touch. That being said, the current keeper’s restoration work set this example in very high standings when compared to a great deal of other Turbo 2000 examples.
As is a welcome tradition with Subarus, this Impreza sits on a lovely set of 17” Prodrive alloy wheels, finished in that classic shade of gold. These wheels proved to be far greater of a challenge to decide upon, as the current keeper wished to revert the car to how the McRae family would have experienced it.
Through correspondence with family members and Prodrive, it was determined that this set of Speedline wheels would match what was fitted to the car in 1996. Having seen very little of the road since being fitted, the wheels present themselves near flawlessly and contrast beautifully against the red bodywork. As an added bonus, the matching Falken tyres offer plenty of tread to be enjoyed out on the open road.
The Mechanics
- Rebuilt engine in August 2022
- MOT until July 2023
- Drives brilliantly
- Excellent mechanical order
- New brakes all round
- Replacement OEM exhaust
- New battery
The Turbo 2000 offers a very raw, characterful driving experience, uninterrupted by the likes of needless technology and luxury features. It is of course one of the closest experiences to a road-going rally car available and deserves to be enjoyed by any true enthusiast.
This particular example does the name proudly, and now happily performs without a single known fault. The current owner has fitted new brake discs, pads, calipers and flexis all around, along with a correct original exhaust and the aforementioned engine rebuild.
The engine was fully rebuilt at considerable cost, and also included a new water pump, cam belt kit, fuel pump and all of the expected gaskets, fluids and consumables.
The current keeper states that the underside mechanicals could benefit from light restoration in the future if desired, but the car runs and drives without a single known fault.
The current keeper states that the underside mechanicals could benefit from light restoration in the future if desired, but the car runs and drives without a single known fault.
With nothing required to be enjoyed on the roads, this Impreza is ready to go.
Summary
This Impreza Turbo 2000 presents a very rare opportunity to own an early Subaru with a one-of-a-kind backstory, having been owned by the legendary McRae family in its early days.
As a result of its unique history and the pedigree of the early Impreza, this offers a very interesting investment opportunity and would suit a historical collection.
As a result of its unique history and the pedigree of the early Impreza, this offers a very interesting investment opportunity and would suit a historical collection.
As the car has also been mechanically overhauled and treated to a rebuilt engine, the car would serve equally well as a fun weekend toy, with a truly unique history.
Whatever your intentions with this charming Impreza, it will no doubt continue to impress with its raw driving experience, and ties to arguably the greatest rally family of all time.
Whatever your intentions with this charming Impreza, it will no doubt continue to impress with its raw driving experience, and ties to arguably the greatest rally family of all time.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1996
- Make Subaru
- Model Impreza Turbo 2000 Ex McRae family
- Colour Red
- Odometer 92,157 Miles
- Engine size 1994
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cumbria
- Country United Kingdom
23
bids
- Fo•••• £18,000 15/09/22
- gr•••• £16,250 14/09/22
- pa•••• £16,000 14/09/22
- Sh•••• £15,000 14/09/22
- gr•••• £14,500 14/09/22
- MK•••• £14,000 14/09/22
- gr•••• £12,750 13/09/22
- Sh•••• £12,250 13/09/22
- gr•••• £12,000 13/09/22
- MK•••• £11,000 13/09/22
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