Description
History – Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C (Model Year 2006)
The 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C is regarded by enthusiasts as the most focused and motorsport-oriented evolution of the Impreza STI — a car that expresses Subaru’s rally DNA without dilution. While the standard STI was already a serious performance machine, the Spec C was engineered explicitly as a homologation platform for professional rally teams.
The 2006 model year represents a technical high point. Subaru concentrated a vast amount of motorsport experience from its customer programs and WRC activities into this version, creating a car that is lighter, sharper and more resilient — a machine built for pure performance rather than visual impact. The result is a rare road-legal vehicle that comes astonishingly close to genuine rally hardware: lighter, stiffer, more responsive and remarkably precise.
Technical Highlights – Spec C 2006
Engine & Turbocharger
The EJ207 used in the Spec C is one of Subaru’s most characterful and motorsport-proven powerplants—free-revving, eager, and impressively responsive.
The 2006 Spec C features the rare VF36 twin-scroll turbocharger with a titanium-aluminium turbine, offering significantly faster spool and greater thermal stability than the VF37 used in the standard STI.
Additional enhancements include:
• optimized ECU calibration
• enlarged intercooler spray reservoir
• motorsport-grade peripheral components
Chassis & Weight Savings
The Spec C was systematically lightened to deliver higher agility and greater responsiveness in competitive use:
• approx. 80 kg lighter than the standard STI
• thinner side and rear glass
• reduced sound insulation
• lighter doors
• aluminium boot lid
• reinforced chassis sections
• omission of underbody protection
Suspension & Steering
The Spec C’s setup is significantly more focused than that of the standard STI.
Stiffer springs, dedicated dampers and a quicker steering ratio create:
razor-sharp turn-in, enhanced steering feedback and immediate, rally-style precision.
Provenance of This Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
This car has a provenance almost impossible to find today.
It was delivered by Prodrive UK — together with several identical vehicles — to a Belgian rally team. All other cars from that batch were converted into Group-N rally machines, used in competition or sold to customer teams.
Only this single example remained untouched.
It was never converted.
Never raced.
Never modified.
With an astonishing 166 kilometers from new, this vehicle ranks among the best-preserved Spec C examples anywhere in the world — a condition that even seasoned collectors will almost never encounter.
The car spent many years in a heated, light-protected hall of the rally team, effectively preserved in the exact state it had when delivered. It is, in the truest sense, a time-capsule STI — something that simply no longer exists on the market today.
Recent Work & Investments
All work was carried out professionally, using high-quality OEM components:
• OEM MY07 LHD headlights
• OEM MY07 LHD taillights
• new STI timing belt
• new STI oil filter
• new STI front lip
• full service with all fluids, timing belt replacement, rear fog light installation
• OEM Spec C Type RA-R / RA-A Enkei 8. 5x18 wheels
• new Bridgestone Potenza Race 235/ 40-18 tyres
• TÜV (German road approval) including import inspection
The original MY06 RHD headlights and taillights are included.
Résumé
This Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C is not just another limited-edition model — it is a piece of genuine rally DNA, preserved in near-new condition and unmatched worldwide. While most of its siblings spent their lives in competition, racking up kilometres, gravel scars and repeated rebuilds, this car remained untouched. A true, unaltered Spec C: rare, authentic, and extraordinary.
In an era in which modern performance cars often feel refined and insulated, the Spec C stands as a reminder of what a pure, mechanically honest driver’s car can be. It is not a showpiece — it is a tool, crafted for people who understand exactly what they are holding.
The verified mileage of only 166 kilometres elevates it into an entirely different category: a homologation vehicle that has survived in what is essentially delivery condition, now carrying full German registration. A time-capsule STI. A homologation model in its purest form. And in this combination of provenance, originality and condition, quite possibly unique worldwide.
Note
We are selling this Subaru on behalf of the owner (commission sale). The offer is non-binding, and prior sale is reserved. We can assist with registration in Germany and, if desired, arrange a current appraisal. Enclosed transport throughout Europe is available, as well as containerised shipping worldwide.
This vehicle can be viewed at our facility in 57548 Kirchen/ Sieg, Jungenthaler Str. 1a.
Please note that visits are by appointment only. We typically display around 80 historically significant sports cars.
For more information on our services and vehicle inventory, please visit our web page
If you like what you’ve seen so far and would like to inspect the vehicle in person, please schedule an appointment. Spontaneous visitors are welcome, but in-depth viewings cannot be guaranteed.
