Highlights

Rare Spec C Type RA variant with lightweight, competition-focused specification
Imported from Japan with an auction grade of 4.5B, now registered on UK plates
Recently serviced and dyno tested by Subaru specialists, Engine Tuner, producing 312hp
Largely unmodified aside from air intake and aftermarket bonnet
MOT valid to February 2027

The Appeal

The Spec C Type RA is, put simply, the sharpest razor-edge of the GD-generation Impreza WRX STi. Where the standard STi was already a formidable machine, the RA - standing for 'Record Attempt' - went further still, shedding weight through thinner glass, a lighter subframe, and an aluminium boot lid, while adding rally-derived features such as a roof-mounted fresh air hatch and an intercooler water sprayer kit. Paired with a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, these cars were built with one purpose in mind: outright performance.

This 2005 example was imported from Japan with a strong auction grade of 4.5B and is now fully registered on UK plates. Showing 98,001 km, it remains largely standard - the only notable modifications being an Injen air intake and an aftermarket bonnet with carbon inserts.

The vendor describes the car as a lovely, largely unmodified example, and the photographs appear to support that assessment. It has been dry-stored and covered when not in use, and has recently benefited from a thorough service and a dyno session at respected Subaru specialists Engine Tuner in Plymouth.

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History and Paperwork

First registered in 2005 in Japan
Imported from Japan to the UK with a Japanese auction grade of 4.5B
Registered in the UK in February 2025
In current ownership since
98,001 km shown on the odometer, believed correct
Japanese service history available
Comes with spare wheel, original jack in its Subaru bag, and owner's manual
Dry stored and covered when not in use
MOT valid to February 2027

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The Condition

Paintwork presents well, with a small scratch on the offside rear bumper
Aftermarket bonnet fitted on gas struts with carbon inserts
The remainder of the exterior is standard with fully refurbished alloys
Brand new Toyo tyres fitted
The vendor reports the interior is in good condition
Standard cloth seats showing no marks and little to no wear
Full car mats front and rear
All switchgear in full working order
A small aftermarket boost gauge has been fitted on the dashboard
All driving controls reported as still tight, with a very clean chassis (photos available)

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The Mechanics

2.0-litre 4-cylinder Boxer engine
Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
Spec C Type RA features include:
- Thinner glass
- A lighter subframe
- An aluminium boot lid
- A rally-style fresh air hatch in the roof
- Intercooler water sprayer kit
Fully serviced with:
- New plugs
- Millers Nanodrive Motorsport grade 10W50 fully synthetic oil
- K&N Gold Performance Subaru oil filter
Upgraded Injen air intake fitted
New fuel pump and new standard map provided by Subaru specialists Engine Tuner in Plymouth
Dyno tested at Engine Tuner, producing 312hp
The vendor reports that the car is starting and driving as it should

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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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

Comments

Rich764••••

1 day ago

Great, thanks for clarifying. Sorry one last question I forgot... Presume it was mapped for UK fuel on import? Thanks.

LBarrow••••

Seller

Yes it was, although when we had the new fuel pump fitted at Engine Tuner in Plymouth, we put the standard map on again and put it on the dyno to check all was ok, the print out is in the photos.

2 days ago

Hi there. Did you add the boost gauge? Is there any evidence of a belt change please? Many thanks.

I get my son and his friend to do the work as they are both fully qualified technicians, working for BMW and Subaru respectively. My son owns an Impreza WRX and I have another. I buy the belt change kits from Torque GT.