Description
This is a genuine JDM Impreza WRX Type RA, which at the time was Subaru’s homologation special, targeted at motorsport buyers wanting a lightweight out of the box ready, Group A qualifying rally car. One of only 370 produced by Subaru for its model year (MY96) and only for the Japanese Domestic Market, these cars are getting extremely rare now and to find one in such superb and original condition (even down to the original “pea shooter” exhaust), makes it a real collectors car!
The Type RA is fitted with the legendary EJ20 closed deck engine, much favoured by Subaru enthusiasts and tuners for having more structural strength than later open deck engines and therefore able to handle reliably, much higher power increases. For this model year, it produced 256 bhp and 227 ft/ lbs of torque and as with all Type RAs, came fitted with an intercooler water spray and 5th injector. In addition, the intercooler was painted black, to further aid with heat dissipation.
Along with a quick steering rack, the Type RA was also fitted with a stronger and closer ratio gear box, than that fitted to the standard WRX STi from the same era, minimising turbo lag as well as helping keep the turbo “on boost”, when changing gear. This results in a consistent “on boost” power range from just under 3000 rpm, all the way through to the 7, 500 rpm red line and incredible in gear acceleration.
Whilst featuring the standard light weight front suspension lower control arms, this car also features non original factory, but genuine JDM aftermarket KYB Super Circuit shocks and Tein springs all round. In addition, the four wheel drive system is factory fitted with viscous front and centre LSDs and a plated rear limited LSD.
Please also note that the all important cam belt change was carried out by a Subaru main dealer in September 2021.
The car was imported from Japan in 2007, but first registered in December 1995. It comes with optional factory fitted air conditioning and a rear deck STI spoiler, as well as period correct and super lightweight Advan RG1 racing wheels. As to be expected from what is essentially a road going Group A rally car, the drive is not for the faint hearted! It is raw, visceral, incredibly involving and with endless grip.
These WRX Type RAs, served as the homologation car campaigned in WRC by the likes of Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz in the early to mid 1990s and were only ever produced in very limited numbers. To find one in this condition and with low mileage, represents an incredible opportunity for any one wanting to get into one of these fast appreciating rally legends.
For a full written description, over 100 HD photos of the car (including photos of the underside), as well as driving videos, please click on the link to our website above, or to have a chat, please call us on the no. also listed above.
