Description
1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi
Reg: R68 DBP
Mileage: 59, 272 Miles
Build No. 133/ 400
MOT: April 2027
Price: £182, 500 Ono
The word ‘Icon’ is thrown around a lot these days, but the Subaru Impreza 22B is a true Japanese and rally derived icon. When it comes to great cars it ticks so many boxes. A platform designed for motorsport and a celebration of the brands WRC success alongside Prodrive, with just 424 examples produced. So not only does have it have all the right bits to ensure these cars continue to rise in value, but hey are absolutely stunning to drive as well. What makes this car ideal is that it’s got useable mileage on it, so you can take this 22B out and enjoy it without knocking its value. Despite its mileage it has only ever had 3 owners.
I won’t bore you with the mouth-watering spec the factory with, if you’re looking at this advert you are probably well aware. Suffice to say that Subaru threw lots of goodies at it from its rally roster such as the wider arches, quicker steering rack, lower ratio gearbox and variable centre differential.
This 1998 production car born on 21st of May and was imported into the UK in June 1999. It was first owned by a British guy who emigrated to Australia. He spent a great deal of time and effort attempting to export the car to Australia, but with such strict import laws he gave up and left it stored in the UK. The chap then passed away and the car was stored in his mother’s garage who then later also passed away, it was then left to the brother-in-law who kept hold of it for a while realising what it was. The 2nd owner of this car was Adrian Spencer of Adgespeed, a well known driver and Subaru specialist who has been a part of community for many years. At one-point Adrian owned this and two other 22B’s at the same time. I spoke to Adrian prior to writing this up and we had a great chat about the car and his passion for Subaru’s.
After purchasing the car and removing it from said garage, Adrian set about recommissioning the car around 2017-2018. This included cambelts and tensioners, oil pump and water pump, cleaning out the fuel tank and fitting a new fuel pump, all fluids and filters changed as well as refurbished wheels and front brake callipers with new discs and pads. Other work included powder coated inlet manifold, reconditioned factory turbo, baffled sump with new sump pan, new radiator and silicone hose kit. Finally, the car had a clutch inspection, new injectors and a Simtek ECU fitted mapped on UK 99 fuel. The original ECU is also supplied with the car. All of this work was carried out at around 58, 000 miles.
The current owner also from the rallying community and no less than six times tarmac champion, purchased it from Adgespeed in 2018 and added it to his collection alongside equally cool 80’s and 90’s homologation specials. In the last 8 years it has completed just 500 miles doing a couple of local classic tours and going to and from MoT. It has been dry stored under cover and on trickle charge during this time. It drives exceptionally well and presents great throughout. The interior is in very good order and almost looks unused. The body and paint also looks really good with a few age-related imperfections.
The car comes with one original key and immobiliser as well as a receipt from Adgespeed for the recommissioning work. A V5C is present and some old MOT’s, but aside from that the car carries no other paperwork, so to have information about the cars history from two of its three owners is very helpful when continuing to tell this particular 22B’s story. The fact it has been owned by two well-known rally drivers from the UK makes it that much cooler. We have additional images available upon request as well as a walk around video. This car is sold on commission-based sale or return service on behalf of a private seller. Viewing by appointment only. We can assist with delivery and export if required.
