25th May, 2024 10:00
The May 2024 Auction

1997 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD
Rare unmolested GC8 Impreza in stunning condition

Estimate
£8, 000 - £9, 000

Buyer's premium: 15. 00%

Registration: R266WVW

In the early 1990s, Subaru was known in the UK as a seller of unexciting but worthy cars, often sold in 4 wheel drive form and beloved of country dwelling folk. That was all to change with the introduction of the Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD in 1994, a compact saloon with all wheel drive hardware and a turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine putting out a strong-for-the-time 208 bhp. Externally the slightly bland base car was enhanced with a body kit, bonnet scoop and a prominent pair of spotlights. All of this was then coupled with a very competitive price, making it a hugely appealing package. It was a hit with motoring critics, Car magazine loving it so much that they went on to declare the Impreza as their Car of The Decade for the 1990s.

We are delighted to offer this 1997 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD in Brilliant Red with black / grey cloth interior. First registered in September 1997, the car was supplied by Grange Park Motor Co in Essex to a Mr Osmon. There are 15 stamps in the service book before it was put into storage around 2009/ 10. The car remained in storage for a decade and was recommissioned by marque specialists, Unit 8 Performance in Perth. With the work being done in house, Unit 8 didn’t prepare invoices but it is believed to have included new oil pump, timing belt, water pump, auxiliary belts, radiator, discs and pads and there is a stamp in the book for February 2022 showing that they conducted the 90 month service. Our vendor purchased the car shortly afterwards and has done little mileage since.

What makes this car so special is that, unlike so many Imprezas, it is completely unmodified and as it would have come out of the factory. The little Subaru is a handsome car out of the box and the Brilliant Red paint really makes it stand out without the need for big wings or gold wheels. It really is in lovely condition and the paint remains vibrant with no obvious fading. The wheels are nice with no kerbing and are shod with good quality Bridgestone tyres. All the lenses for the lights are clean and clear. It’s pleasing, if a bit unusual, to see the standard exhaust set up - a quite modest twin tailpipe affair. Inside is equally as nice with good plastics and no unsightly gauges or other modifications. Both the seats and the headlining are clean with just a little wear to the driver’s seat bolster. The boot is tidy with an additional boot mat in place and the space saver spare under the floor. Under the bonnet is clean and honest without being over-prepared.

The car comes with V5C, MOT certificate and full book pack.

It would be easy to assume that entirely standard Impreza Turbos simply don’t exist but this car would prove you wrong. Add to that the exceptional condition of this example and you have a truly desirable car which surely can only increase in value as time goes on.