1999 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA Limited Version 5
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Highlights
- Gorgeous example of sought-after limited edition WRX
- UK MOT and NOVA complete – ready to register
- Recent cosmetic overhaul
- Fully serviced and checked over by vendor
The Appeal
Motorsport can make a car - and the Subaru Impreza WRX is the perfect example.
Prior to the model’s domestic launch in 1992, Subaru was a charming but oddball car company loved by farmers and those who lived off the beaten track thanks to its benchmark four-wheel-drive technology. It had dabbled in rallying, too, notably with the Legacy in 1991-2, through which the company began its association with Scottish rallying legend Colin McRae.
McRae would go on to be a figurehead for the company throughout the 1990s as the Legacy gave way to the Impreza and the car made a name for itself across the world’s rally community, making Subaru’s mid-size saloon something of an icon – a far cry from its competent but humble beginnings.
The WRX model debuted in Japan in 1992, the name standing for World Rally eXperimental. The rally-inspired technology included turbocharging, stiffer suspension, close-ratio transmission and a faster steering rack than on a standard model.
The WRX name became a Subaru standard throughout the rest of the Impreza’s life, with numerous special editions and ever more extreme performance packages, but even in standard 240PS form it was a fabulous car to drive.
This one is a Type RA Version 5 Limited 555, one of 842 built (albeit the build plaque states 1,000). It’s a largely original car imported by the vendor directly from Japan. When he acquired it, the car had a number of modification which he has reversed to standardise its appearance, while at the same time carrying out some mechanical and cosmetic improvements including professional repairs to both sills and rear arches, a full dent removal treatment, cavity wax seal, an H&S sport cat and a full service.
All of the import paperwork is completed, the only remaining part of the process being first UK registration – the vendor hasn’t done this simply so that the new owner will be its first UK keeper.
The market for Imprezas is strong at the moment thanks to the sheer amount of nostalgia there is for cars of the 1990s among those who couldn’t afford to buy them when new.
The biggest difficulty, though, is in finding the right car. With so many Imprezas being modified or given huge performance upgrades, finding a cherished, low-mileage and completely unbastardised car is nearly impossible.
We say nearly… because you’ve just found it. Here’s your opportunity. It’s not one to miss.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT July 2024
- All original import and registration documentation
- GC8-D series chassis number
- One of 842 made
- Copy of Japanese service history
- Invoices for cat and dent removal
- Japanese Car VX history report showing a clear accident and finance history
- Original Japanese sales writing still on screen
The Condition
- Classic Sonic Blue
- Gold Speedline alloy wheels in good overall condition with minor marks
- Excellent Yokahama ECOS tyres
- Panels are all straight and dent-free other than one tiny dent on bonnet, recent dent and scratch removal
- Appears structurally good underneath – undersealed in Japan and cavity sealed in UK by vendor
- Rust-free rear arches, sills and door bottoms
- Welded repairs carried out with localised paint to rectify previous corrosion so the car is in solid condition all over
- Very good paint finish with all correct trim
- Zerosport Air deflector on the underside of the bonnet scoop
- Bootlid and spoiler repainted to a high standard
- All glass and lights in good order including front fog lamps
- 555 Sports seats
- Minimal wear to upholstery
- Good carpets, headlining and door cards
- Original jack and spare wheel
- Very good dash with typically Japanese feel and design
- Momo sports steering wheel
- Impreza floor and boot mats
- Defi 3 dials on dash
- New window and door rubbers
- Door trims refurbished
- Front and rear strut braces
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo with 280bhp (import)
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Four-wheel-drive
- 118,000km (73k miles)
- According to the vendor, the car drives very well indeed, with no declared faults or issues
- Advisory free MOT
- Fully serviced, including timing belt by Zen Performance
- H&S Sport Cat with 3-inch Grp A exhaust – to be mapped by seller
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1999
- Make Subaru
- Model Impreza
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 118,227 Kilometres
- Engine size 2000
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
8
bids
from 4
bidders
- Mattste•••• £9,500 27/04/24
- Simonbo•••• £9,000 26/04/24
- Hongkon•••• £8,250 26/04/24
- Simonbo•••• £8,000 25/04/24
- Simonbo•••• £7,000 23/04/24
- Simonbo•••• £6,000 22/04/24
- Jkrlly9•••• £5,500 22/04/24
- Simonbo•••• £5,000 22/04/24
The Gallery
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
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