Highlights
- Factory standard Series McRae restored by Nik Mitchell
- One of around 70 remaining Macrae edition examples
- Recent engine service and overhaul by Border Engines
- Previously owned by Louise Aitken-Walker, former women’s WRC
- Driven regularly including recent reliable 1,000-mile European trip
- MOT valid until June 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
In the history of motoring there have been a lot of double acts, marriages of human and machine. That between Colin McRae and the first generation Subaru Impreza is amongst the greatest.
To celebrate his win in the 1995 WRC, Subaru commissioned Prodrive to build 200 special ‘Series McRae’ editions. These cars were based on the revised 205bhp GC8C car with special Rally Blue Mica paintwork, gold Prodrive 16in wheels, a sunroof and bespoke embossed Recaros with open headrests.
Each car was badged and this is number 144. It is believed to be one of only 70 left, of which only a handful are road registered like this one at any time. While other Imprezas are relished for their modifications, buyers want McRae cars to be factory standard.
Thankfully this one is. Since 2021 £6,000 has been invested in a body and mechanical restoration. Nik Mitchell did the respray - enthusiasts will know that he restored McRae’s own rally car for the family - and the engine work and servicing was by specialists Border Engines of Berwick. The condition is best described as ‘very good’ inside and out.
The final cherry on the icing of this great car? It was previously owned by Louise Aitken-Walker, the 1990s women’s world rally champion. A long MOT without advisories is considerably less interesting but adds useful reassurance for the buyer.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 28th March 1996
- Six registered keepers from new
- MOT valid until June 2025 with no advisories
- 114,661 miles showing on test and now on 116,595 miles
- Restored since 2021 by Nik Mitchel and Border Engines
- Resprayed by Nik Mitchel who restored McRae’s own rally car for the family
- Engine, inspected, serviced and refurbished by Border Engines
- One of approximately 70 remaining examples of the McRae edition
- Prodrive's first special edition, celebrating Colin’s world rally championship
- Car 144 of the 200 numbered cars built
- Dry stored from 2009 to 2021
- Refurbished after 12 years of garage storage in Duns, Berwickshire
- Previous owner was Louise Aitken-Walker, former women’s world rally champion in the 1990s
- Over £6,000 reportedly spent bringing it back to life
- Driven regularly since going back on the road
- Vendor recently completed a 1,000-mile European trip to Spa and Nurburgring
- This included a sedate lap of the latter circuit
- Vendor states that it is one of only 8 McRae cars taxed on the road
- Factory handbook included
The Condition
- Factory standard car that retains its McRae special edition features inside and out
- Restored bodywork repainted by well known Impreza specialist
- This work included minor welding to rear wheel arch
- Vendor reports original sills in good condition and no other rust
- Bodywork is straight and well kept with no reported accident damage
- Paintwork in very good order with only very minor marks to note
- Special edition 16in gold finish Prodrive lloy wheels in very good order
- Quality Pirelli tyres fitted showing decent tread and condition
- Original McRae logo interior with unique special edition Recaro seats
- Factory standard interior with later Kenwood head unit and 6CD changer
- Factory special edition steel sliding sunroof
- Spacesaver spare wheel
- Interior presents very well with barely any, if any, signs of use
- Special edition Recaro seats are in very good, clean condition
- We are told that all the interior electric work correctly
- No structural advisories on current MOT
The Mechanics
- 1,994cc 205 BHP flat four GC8C specification Version II engine
- These engines are considered very reliable and good for 200,000 miles
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Standard tune car with no non-factory modifications advised
- Recently fitted with new belts, and pulleys
- Engine inspected, serviced, and refurbished by Border Engines of Berwick
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
- No reported running or driving issues
The vendor tells us:
“It has been driven regularly since going back on the road, including 1000 mile European trip to Spa and Nurburgring when the car never missed a beat. Wonderful to drive on B roads. It makes you realise that 205 bhp and four wheel drive is all you need to enjoy real driving.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
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