Mathew Hunter-Fitzpatrick
2x MK2 Golf GTI 16v, Seat Ibiza Cupra
18-inch wheels meant tyres were a hefty expense
"To be honest I was never much into the Impreza and always preferred the Evo V/VI, that was until I was introduced to a UK WRX in 1998 that my friend's brother bought. After a quick spin round the block in it I was pretty much smitten and decided it was on my 'hit list' as soon as finances and mainly the insurance companies permitted.
"After a trip to the London Motor Show where the P1 was unveiled I did some much needed swotting up and decided that this was the model I wanted to aspire to. To my eyes it looked great as a two-door and had oodles of power too."
What I wish I had known:
"I had 'geeked out' on all things Impreza and even though the grey market was very much alive and kicking I set my sights on the P1. I knew about the chocolate pistons, the paint bubble issue on the rear wing, the alarm not working within 100 feet of a radio mast and the other niggles that came with the car. The one I bought was under warranty and I was young and impetuous so threw caution to the wind and ploughed on."
Things I love:
"A Ferrari it is not but I just loved getting in it and firing her up and listening to that burble. It had the Prodrive 'P1' backbox which made it a little fruitier as well. The acceleration was pretty savage and it pulled strongly all the way through to silly speeds.
Two-door shape did it for Mathew
"The few track focused events I did in the car were incredible and if nothing else really highlighted what a cloven hooved idiot I am behind the wheel! The car was so capable and I realised that the speeds this car could manoeuvre at were vast and if anything made me more appreciative and more mindful of this on road.
"The best thing about Impreza ownership was the owners' clubs; I met some great people over the time, many of whom remain good friends now and saw some fantastic and well cherished cars."
Things I hate:
"Not a lot really... the brakes were pretty pants after track work and faded quite badly, the Sigma alarm locked me out and refused to disengage on the top floor of a shopping centre car park in Reading town centre which resulted in me and a mate pushing it down the ramp alarm blaring until we could find somewhere far enough from the source of interference so it would respond; the biggest kicker though was starting it one morning and hearing a few nasty knocks on tickover..."
Gone now, but much missed
"Insurance started at £1,600 fully comp when I was 23, but over time dropped to around £600 although the tracker had to be active. Once out of warranty it was serviced by a local independent so servicing was OK. Tyres were reasonably pricey as it had the 18s and I liked Eagle F1s. As would be expected fuel was the biggest expense, I averaged between 180 and 250 miles to a tank depending on how enthusiastic I had been."
Where I've been:
"While under my custody we went to lots of meets and car shows around the country, did a charity rally for MENCAP a couple of times, went to Sarfend many times to meet fellow owners over that part of the world and eat fresh doughnuts and a convoy of about eight of us went to Cornwall for a long weekend."
What next:
"Settled down and had kids so the silly cars went... now have a Mini Cooper D and concentrate on miles per gallon rather than smiles per gallon! I would love a Mercedes C63 AMG to scratch the V8 itch though... one day."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!