RE: Subaru Impreza 22B: PH Heroes
Discussion
I appreciate that Subaru no longer have quite the same rally heritage to fall back on, but surely someone, somewhere within the organisation can look at the aura that surrounds the 22B and think abut how to transfer some of that to the BRZ?!
I think the fact that the 22B stood head and shoulders above the typically Japanese myriad of special editions is what adds to the mystique; chucking out 1 STi version of the BRZ against the 'cooking' version is a good start but Subaru need to go further.
In ten or twenty years time when I have the disposable income to throw at some exotic toy I look forward to the comparable pricess between the 22B and vintage Porsche 911's. A truly ugly yet beautiful car that says so much of its potential. Cracking video too...
I think the fact that the 22B stood head and shoulders above the typically Japanese myriad of special editions is what adds to the mystique; chucking out 1 STi version of the BRZ against the 'cooking' version is a good start but Subaru need to go further.
In ten or twenty years time when I have the disposable income to throw at some exotic toy I look forward to the comparable pricess between the 22B and vintage Porsche 911's. A truly ugly yet beautiful car that says so much of its potential. Cracking video too...
Poopipe said:
Actually barring motorways I quite liked the short box on my RA.
x2 - motorway + short ratios + un-silenced exhaust = major headache after twenty miles or so 
In agreement with what others have said though - this was one of my dream cars from that period, and is one of the main reasons as to why I bought my Type R...budget dreams
One of only a handful of Japanese cars that truly transcend the "Jap scene" to genuine desirability.
Don't get me wrong! There are loads of truly great Japanese performance cars, however only a few that my personal opinion regards as "special".
The 22b is so rare, bespoke and individual from the scores of other special edition Subarus, that it's value and desirability is assured.
Don't get me wrong! There are loads of truly great Japanese performance cars, however only a few that my personal opinion regards as "special".
The 22b is so rare, bespoke and individual from the scores of other special edition Subarus, that it's value and desirability is assured.
They look sexual. Always lusted after one. Its those arches!
https://youtu.be/CCX17GwiR-c
Clarkson liked it too.
https://youtu.be/CCX17GwiR-c
Clarkson liked it too.
hwajones said:
I love these 3 door models but how could anyone justify paying £40-50k for one!?
Bonkers
Objectively, perhaps.Bonkers
The 22B occupies the same space/time as treasures such as the E30 M3, Integrale Evo, and the Sierra RS500.
All of those cars aren't sufficiently different from their lesser models to justify the premiums they attract, however they are more than the sum of their parts, and have undeniable kudos and pedigree ..... maybe the 22B is a little behind on the latter part of that, as it wasn't strictly a homologation car, however it's bloodline and unique features are 100% kosher motorsport parts, direct from the forests.
The McRae link is also indelible.
It's the only Impreza where a justifiable case can be made for saying it just looks perfect .... proportions, stance, and everything just the perfect compromise of form and function.
mat205125 said:
hwajones said:
I love these 3 door models but how could anyone justify paying £40-50k for one!?
Bonkers
Objectively, perhaps.Bonkers
The 22B occupies the same space/time as treasures such as the E30 M3, Integrale Evo, and the Sierra RS500.
All of those cars aren't sufficiently different from their lesser models to justify the premiums they attract, however they are more than the sum of their parts, and have undeniable kudos and pedigree ..... maybe the 22B is a little behind on the latter part of that, as it wasn't strictly a homologation car, however it's bloodline and unique features are 100% kosher motorsport parts, direct from the forests.
The McRae link is also indelible.
It's the only Impreza where a justifiable case can be made for saying it just looks perfect .... proportions, stance, and everything just the perfect compromise of form and function.
One of these and a Makkinen Evo are the perfect late 90s rally pairing.
Owned mine for 7 years before selling it late last year. Really miss it to bits, and am looking for another one.
Absolutely no question of buying this or a new subaru. The 22B wins that contest hands down for me, beginning and ending with depreciation, ie zero on the 22B and "a lot" on the new car.
As for nervousness? Yeah, sure. I was worried about bending mine. But that's what insurance is for. Enjoy it!
Absolutely no question of buying this or a new subaru. The 22B wins that contest hands down for me, beginning and ending with depreciation, ie zero on the 22B and "a lot" on the new car.
As for nervousness? Yeah, sure. I was worried about bending mine. But that's what insurance is for. Enjoy it!
XBOW said:
Remember a meighbour having one when they first came out and used to leave it on the road outside. Looking down from upstairs window the shape of the car looked incredible. One of my fave cars.
Probably looked something like this:
That's #095/400, which I owned for a couple of years to 2010. Fantastic original car, featured in an Evo story. Lovely rear-drive feel, but with the added bonus of serious front end grip as well. As in the report, the ultra low gearing of these JDM models is an acquired taste. Doing nearly 4000 rpm in top (5th) at 70mph is a bit draining! I then moved on to a Lotus Omega (Carlton), which needed only 1700 rpm in top (6th) to do the same speed!
Edited by LotusOmega375D on Sunday 26th July 10:32
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