Highlights

Number 320 of 500 WR1 UK-market limited edition cars
Appreciating collectors car
Extensively developed by Prodrive to celebrate Petter Solberg's 2003 WRC victory
55bhp power increase over standard WRX STi to 320bhp
WR1 Ice Blue paint plus Prodrive Performance Pack with DCCD
Very low documented mileage of under 45,000 miles
Full service history to late 2025
New turbo, service and catalyser fitted by Subaru specialist in late 2025
New Brembo front discs and pads and rear pads fitted 2025
Recent cambelt change
Advisory-free MOT until December 2026

The Appeal

As any marque enthusiast knows, there are Impreza WRX cars and then there are WRX cars. Subaru produced many variants, but some stand out. One such car is the UK-market WR1, which was built to celebrate Petter Solberg’s 2003 WRC win.

The WR1 was far more than a showroom celebration model. It was extensively evolved by Prodrive to deliver 320bhp, a hike of 55bhp over the standard car, and equipped with the rally specialists’ Performance Pack, including the clever ‘DCCD’ Driver-Controlled Centre Differential. Just 500 were available to UK customers, of which only 171 are believed to survive.

Here is quite possibly one of the best available. Finished in the WR1’s bespoke stand-out shade of Ice Blue, it is a factory-standard car that has covered less than 45,000 documented miles in the hands of just four keepers. This car has previously been part of a private collection, and you can see why - it presents at a very high level across interior and exterior. Check the photos closely, and you’ll struggle to identify signs of its 22 years.

The maintenance and MOT records support the sense of a cherished, collector-grade car. The former shows regular attention from main dealers and specialists from new through to September 2025, while the latter shows a run of tests with only a handful of minor advisories. In late 2025, the car was sent to a Subaru specialist in Princes Risbrough, where it received a new turbo and mounting bracket, exhaust catalyser, and oil service. The brakes have been overhauled with new Brembo parts including front discs and pads and rear pads. It also has a brand new Bosch battery. Earlier invoices confirm that the cambelt was recently replaced. The current MOT test runs to December 2026 with no advisories.

For WRX collectors, the WR1 is the car you want. Few come to market. Here is a chance to acquire arguably one of the very best available.

image.png 3.05 MB

History and Paperwork

First registered on 17th June 2004
UK market RHD WR1 model
Car number 320 of the 500 produced
Four registered keepers from new
Current keeper since November 2023
Under 45,000 miles indicated which is supported by service history
Typed list of servicing by main dealers and specialists as shown
Serviced in September 2025 by Subaru Impreza WRX specialist in Princes Risborough
Turbo replaced by same specialist in at same time
Replacement factory-correct catalyser fitted by well regarded specialist ARO Exhausts
New Bosch battery fitted in December 2025
We are told that the car has covered very few miles since servicing and other work
Two documented cambelt changes in 2014 and 2021
Cambelt replaced in 2021 at 41,095 miles
Additional service work undertaken when cambelt changed as detailed below
Previous keeper kept car as part of a private collection
During this time car was kept in a climate controlled ‘Carcoon’ type chamber
Car was undersealed during this time we are told
Touch up paint pot included
Old tax disc with rare WR1 Prodrive tax disc holder as shown
V5C
2 keys
Factory handbooks
Various invoices for recent work documented above and below
Various old MOTs
MOT until 2nd December 2026 with no advisories
MOT history is very clean with few advisories and no fails

Service work in 2021 at 41,095 miles:

Cambelt replaced
Front anti roll bar drop links
Front discs and pads (subsequently replaced with Brembo items due to slight shudder)
Oil, air and pollen filters
Gearbox and differential oils #
Coolant replaced

image.png 2.9 MB

The Condition

Finished in the exclusive Ice Blue paintwork specific to the WR1 model
WRC-style front spoiler, front lamps, and stainless-steel mesh radiator grille
Distinctive 'WR1' logos affixed to each front wing
Few indications of age to paintwork and bodywork due to careful use and storage
Headlights retain their original warm yellowish tint
Underside as shown with evidence of clean undersealing
No structural advisories on MOT
18-inch Prodrive Speedline 'flowforming' alloy wheels appear in good condition
Fitted with Toyo Proxes to front and Michelins to rear all showing good remaining tread
Gold Brembo brake callipers visible behind the wheels
Interior features anthracite suede-effect material on the front seats for added grip
Red embroidered 'STi' emblems on the front seats
STi-badged steering wheel
Aluminium WR1 gear stick showing some light wear
Light wear to some console trim but very discreet and light
Well kept carpets with protective WR1 floor mats
Dedicated buttons for DCCD control and intercooler water spray
Retains its Subaru stereo and WR1 interior plaque

The WR1’s Ice Blue paintwork was exclusive to the model, retaining a link to the ‘World Rally Blue’ of the original car but with a much fresher, modern look. With the bodywork modifications applied to spoilers and skirts, it delivers a distinctive and modern look that has stood the test of the 22 years as the photos show.

Inside and out this very low mileage car is in quite remarkable condition. We struggled to find signs of use. The fabric and suede seats are barely worn and the usually vulnerable exterior areas such as bumper corners and nearside front alloy are refreshingly well presented.

Part of the appeal of this car is how original and unmodified it is. It even retains its Subaru-branded sound system. Expensive Toyo Proxes on the front and Michelins on the rear point to recent keepers’ approach to maintenance.

image.png 2.96 MB

The Mechanics

1,994cc turbocharged flat-four engine
Six-speed manual transmission
All-wheel drive system with Prodrive Driver-Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD)
Prodrive upgrades deliver 320bhp and 310lb.ft of torque
0-62mph acceleration in 4.25 seconds
Electronically limited top speed of 155mph
Prodrive Performance Pack including special exhaust system
Uprated springs and bumpstops provide 25mm lower ride height than standard
DCCD system operates in auto mode or manually adjusted to suit conditions
No MOT advisories
Very well maintained car as shown in photos and detailed above
Recent fettling by Subaru specialist including new turbo, turbo bracket, and service
Factory-correct catalyser fitted in 2025 by well-regarded specialist
Front discs and pads and rear pads recently replaced using Brembo items
Cambelt changed in 2014 and then 2021 at 41,000 miles as above
Further extensive work in 2021 at 41,000 miles documented above

Such is the enduring appeal of the Impreza that it would have been easy for Subaru to simply offer enthusiasts a cosmetically-enhanced celebration of its 2003 WRC victory. The WR1 is definitely not that. Extensive Prodrive fettling delivers a comprehensively improved WRX, most notably with power increased by 55bhp to 320bhp compared to the standard model.

Of the reputed 171 remaining UK WR1s, this car is likely amongst the least used and best maintained. You can read more about the servicing and maintenance regime in the photos, where there is a typed list of servicing. Check the online MOT records and you’ll get similar reassurance - it has always passed the test first time and there are barely a handful of advisories over time.

Prior to sale the car was despatched to an independent Subaru specialist in Princes Risborough where it received a service, replacement turbo and mounting bracket. The front discs and pads and the rear pads were replaced in late 2025 using Brembo parts. Prior to the last MOT the car was fitted with a factory-correct catalyser by specialist ARO Exhausts. The car also carries a new quality Bosch battery.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.