2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary

Highlights

• One of 300 20th anniversary edition cars produced

• Extensive mechanical upgrades 

• Removable Prodrive rear wing

• Driver-controlled centre differential

• JDM import

Overview

Sometimes the best form of marketing is to keep quiet. A bit of scarcity can really add to the appeal, which is certainly the case here. Not only did Subaru decide that they would only build 300 units of their 20th anniversary edition WRX STi, but they also made sure that it would only be available to buy in Japan. Which is an extremely effective way of making us here in Britain want one even more. Yes it’s got all the performance figures you could want, but it’s the fact that we can’t have it that makes us dream about it. 

And this particular Impreza answers those hopes and dreams. It’s a JDM car, unavailable to buy in the UK when new, and it’s one of those 300 limited edition 20th anniversary cars. But crucially it is here on these shores, ready to be driven home by the winning bidder. It was imported and first registered in the UK in May 2019, and comes with original Japanese documentation. 

It was reportedly owned by the proprietor of a Japanese car parts import business, so it has not wanted for new components, with plenty of Fuji Racing bits having been fitted. The list of performance upgrades and standard features is extremely long, so we won’t list them all in minute detail here. But needless to say, it has an enormous wing on the back, which the seller tells us can be easily removed in five minutes, so you can decide just how heavily you want to lean into the look. 

Suspension, exhaust, and engine parts have been replaced and upgraded to make this an even more capable car. It has been remapped, and the seller tells us that it now produces 360 bhp and 400 lb ft. This is sent to all four wheels in varying quantities via the driver-controlled centre differential, giving you complete control of the car’s handling characteristics. 

The car is in amazingly clean condition throughout, and has clearly enjoyed a cosseted life. Plenty of new and improved parts have been fitted, and we fully appreciate the blue paint and gold wheels.

History and documentation

• One of only 300 produced, all for the Japanese domestic market

• Declared manufactured 2008

• Imported from Japan 

• First registered in the UK 1 May 2019

• Original Japanese documentation

• Impreza owner’s manual 

• Collection of invoices for parts and servicing

• MOT certificates on file

• Two keys, including master key 

• Speedometer converted from km/h to mph, but the odometer still reads in kilometres 

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 12 Dec 2025

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Two former UK keepers

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Keyless entry, operated by a button on each front door 

• The seats have a small plaque declaring that ‘this seat is an exclusive seat produced by the collaboration between Subaru and Recaro’

• ‘STi’ stitched headrests 

• Alcantara and leather seat upholstery

• There is a little wear to the driver’s seat bolster 

• The Alcantara continues onto the steering wheel and centre console 

• Black carpets, and Subaru-branded footwell mats 

• Selectable drive modes and differential controls on the centre console 

• Heated seats

• Climate control

• Analogue instruments

• Info screen on the dashboard top 

• Pioneer touchscreen head unit, with carbon fibre effect surround 

• Reversing camera 

• Rear seating for three passengers 

• Pioneer subwoofer fitted under the passenger seat

• Headlining clean and tidy

• The window tints are said to be glass not film 

• Fully carpeted boot with retractable tonneau cover 

• Spare wheel stowed under the boot floor

• Original scissor jack and towing eye

Exterior

• Four-door hatchback with gold wheels, bonnet scoop, and enormous rear wing 

• Finished in WRC Blue Mica paint, an iconic colour for this car 

• The body and paint are in extremely good condition throughout

• Only a few small stone chips from use, particularly on the front bumper 

• No significant scratches or dents to be seen 

• The body panels are excellent, with no corrosion or damage reported 

• 18-inch gold alloy wheels, which have reportedly been recently refurbished 

• Goodyear tyres

• Unmissable Prodrive carbon fibre rear wing, which reportedly cost £1,500 when new

• The seller tells us that the wing can be removed in about five minutes 

• Xenon headlights

• Small scuff to the nearside front fog light surround

• Automatic folding wing mirrors

• The Anniversary sill trims still have their protective blue vinyl from the factory

• Subaru badges all present and in good condition

• There are MOT advisories for a worn nearside front tyre, and for an inoperative numberplate lamp 

• The underside is extremely clean, with no obvious corrosion, and plenty of factory markings still visible

• HKS carbon exhaust tips 

Mechanical

• 1,990 cc four-cylinder EJ207 engine

• Produced 304 bhp when new

• The seller tells us that the ECU has been remapped to produce 360 bhp and 400 lb ft

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Adjustable all-wheel drive system

• Driver-controlled centre differential

• Engine bay extremely clean, with everything looking fresh and tidy

• Silicone hoses 

• Many Fuji Racing components fitted by previous owner: rear anti roll bar, anti flex brace kit, cold air inner wing induction kit, magnetic sump plug, 340 litre per hour fuel pump, full engine grey silicone hose kit

• HKS twin stainless and carbon fibre exhaust system

• Recirculation valve blanked, which the seller tells us gives ‘great WRC-style wastegate chatter from the turbo’ and is removable 

• Four-pot front brake callipers upgraded wishbones and anti-roll bars, bespoke dampers and springs, STi pillowball lateral links, STi flexible front strut brace, STi front cross member support kit, STi flexible lower arm bar

• Some of the suspension and exhaust components have been replaced, and remain very fresh-looking 

• The seller has retained many of the original parts, including the exhaust and the air box, which will come with the car 

• There is a parts invoice for a clutch kit purchased in Mar 2025

• The seller tells us that an extensive service was carried out at 117,000 km, including changing all the oils and replacing the timing belt 

• ‘Decat’ exhaust pipe fitted in 2021

• There are MOT advisories for deteriorated dust covers on the front anti-roll bar linkages 

• No warning lights reported 

• The seller reports ‘no strange noises, oil leaks or knocks or bangs, it’s nice and smooth and is a pleasure to drive’

Summary

This WRX looks exactly as a Subaru should do: unashamedly flaunting its bonnet scoop, its enormous rear wing, and its gold wheels. It’s not a car for the timid of constitution, it’s a car which announces its arrival with the booming voice of Brian Blessed. And with most of the 300 produced presumably still remaining in Japan, you’re unlikely to see another one pull up next to you at the traffic lights. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Emissions Equipment

Please note: This vehicle has had its catalytic converter removed. As such, it no longer complies with UK road emissions regulations for vehicles of its type and age.

This car is being sold strictly on the basis that the buyer understands the legal implications and accepts full responsibility for any required reinstallation of emissions equipment or conversion for off-road/motorsport use only, where appropriate.