Highlights
• One of only 300 built
• Rare Japanese import
• Fantastic Condition
• Up-rated Cusco Differential and Cusco Competition clutch.,
The Appeal
A terrific performer, even by Impreza standards, this is a rare variant.
The STi ‘Spec C’ was a Japanese market only model, with only 300 cars being produced. 189 of these were white, with the remainder in blue.
A lightweight machine stripped of most all of its soundproofing, the driver is able to feel every nuance of the handling – and hear all of the twin scroll turbo’d engine’s howl.
For true believers, and as well as remaining in stunning condition, this particular car benefits from an upgrade to Cusco competition clutch and differential.
The STi ‘Spec C’ was a Japanese market only model, with only 300 cars being produced. 189 of these were white, with the remainder in blue.
A lightweight machine stripped of most all of its soundproofing, the driver is able to feel every nuance of the handling – and hear all of the twin scroll turbo’d engine’s howl.
For true believers, and as well as remaining in stunning condition, this particular car benefits from an upgrade to Cusco competition clutch and differential.
The History and Paperwork
• Full service less than 400 miles ago
• Timing belt and water pump in 2020
Much of the paperwork that comes with the car is in Japanese, including of course, the original manual pack.
The new owner has since bought a UK Subaru service manual and the book is stamped at 75,000 miles. The car also had fuel and water pumps and a timing kit in November 2020.
The new owner has since bought a UK Subaru service manual and the book is stamped at 75,000 miles. The car also had fuel and water pumps and a timing kit in November 2020.
The Interior
• High-backed sports seats with Alcantara trim
• Chunky Momo steering wheel
The interior is purposeful rather than luxurious, with a fair bit of Alcantara on show.
The high-backed seats have blue/purple perforated inserts that give them a better defined look and give the inside of the car a sportier feel. All the seats retain a good finish – no sagging bolsters or frayed or worn edges – and those in the rear look little used.
Carpets and mats are similarly good, also showing little signs of wear. Likewise, the Alcantara-covered Momo steering wheel remains in good shape and the red stitching (nice detail) on the gear stick leather remains neat and tight.
The high-backed seats have blue/purple perforated inserts that give them a better defined look and give the inside of the car a sportier feel. All the seats retain a good finish – no sagging bolsters or frayed or worn edges – and those in the rear look little used.
Carpets and mats are similarly good, also showing little signs of wear. Likewise, the Alcantara-covered Momo steering wheel remains in good shape and the red stitching (nice detail) on the gear stick leather remains neat and tight.
Alloy highlights around the cabin show no scratches or nail marks and the drilled pedals look good. Door cards and switches are similarly tidy, as is the mechanism for the roof vent. The headlining is clean.
An understated space focused on the driving.
The Exterior
• Beautiful paintwork
• Dramatic rear wing
With tinted rear privacy glass and the black interior darkening the windscreen, the Subaru looks all the more striking in dazzling white.
The paint finish is excellent across the car, with the colour retaining a consistent gloss across all materials. The only blemish is a crack in the paint on the low front spoiler on the nearside.
All panel gaps remain very tight with joins between metal and plastic likewise good. There is no sag in the big front bumper and the dramatic rear wing sits perfectly in place.
The paint finish is excellent across the car, with the colour retaining a consistent gloss across all materials. The only blemish is a crack in the paint on the low front spoiler on the nearside.
All panel gaps remain very tight with joins between metal and plastic likewise good. There is no sag in the big front bumper and the dramatic rear wing sits perfectly in place.
There is a slight fade to the finish on the mirror supports, but otherwise the black trim – and the rubber seals – are in excellent condition.
All badges are present and very correct, and the lights are clean and clear.
All badges are present and very correct, and the lights are clean and clear.
The Mechanics
• Smart engine bay
• Underside of car in superb condition
• Alloy wheels are a striking feature
Apart from a little surface corrosion on the suspension tower brackets and a little dust here and there, this Impreza’s engine bay is very tidy.
Everything appears to be in its allotted place and there are no signs of leaks or accumulated grime. Under-bonnet plastics, leads and hoses all look a healthy colour with no signs of perishing, cracking or heat damage.
Everything appears to be in its allotted place and there are no signs of leaks or accumulated grime. Under-bonnet plastics, leads and hoses all look a healthy colour with no signs of perishing, cracking or heat damage.
The boot space is more Spartan than some may expect – remember this is the stripped out version – don’t expect much trim, but do expect with water bottle for the intercooler.
The underside of the Subaru is very clean – that’s worth saying again – very clean.
All suspension parts appear to be in very good order (loving the pink anti-roll bars), as do the brake assemblies. The callipers are in a striking shade of bronze and the rather tasty alloy wheels are clean and scuff-free. Tyres are good.
All suspension parts appear to be in very good order (loving the pink anti-roll bars), as do the brake assemblies. The callipers are in a striking shade of bronze and the rather tasty alloy wheels are clean and scuff-free. Tyres are good.
Summary
The Impreza possesses a rare mix of qualities; raw power, sure-footed four-by-four handling, and take-the-kids-to-school practicality.
This appears to be a nice, un-messed about with example – save for a couple of quite tasty upgrades. The mileage is reasonable and the cars appearance strongly suggests a series of diligent owners on both sides of the globe.
It’s not often a chance to own one of these comes around.
This appears to be a nice, un-messed about with example – save for a couple of quite tasty upgrades. The mileage is reasonable and the cars appearance strongly suggests a series of diligent owners on both sides of the globe.
It’s not often a chance to own one of these comes around.
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