1994 Subaru Impreza WRX STI V1

Highlights

• Japanese Import

• Wonderfully original

• HKS Silent Power exhaust

• Outstanding condition - a ‘timewarp’ example

• Engine rebuild in 2024

Overview

We don’t need to introduce the WRX or STI badges, nor are we going to make the usual medical terminology jokes, as this is a serious example of a serious collectors’ car. 

The Impreza WRX STI V1 is genesis for performance Impreza lovers - this was the first production car to be fettled (and hand-finished) by the then-fledgling Subaru Technica International department, and a limited number were built before the V2 was introduced, reportedly just 645 saloons, of which just 85 were finished in Vivienne Red as seen here.

Whilst the usual (albeit iconic) blue/gold colourway is more traditionally associated with the Impreza, there’s no denying how great Vivienne Red looks on the V1, especially on this example thanks to the distinct lack of aftermarket body kits, modifications or divisive ‘upgrades’ which are so commonly seen on Imprezas of all ages. Period-correct or otherwise, original cars will always be the most appealing for the serious collector, and this car ticks that box nicely, with the only outwardly visible modification being a HKS Silentpower exhaust - a ‘can of Japan’ for those that follow modern automotive parlance. 

Badged 043/100, this example was delivered new to the Ayama District (now Iga) in Japan, where it was used and enjoyed, before being imported to the UK via Ireland. Whilst in the UK, it was used regularly until 2008, when it was put into dry storage with a prominent collector.

The previous owner purchased the car off of said collector and commissioned a major refurbishment, before it was purchased by the current owner during 2023. In 2024, the engine was rebuilt (more on that later) and this rare WRX STI V1 is now offered for sale in excellent condition throughout, wonderfully original and in arguably the most desirable colourway for the era. 

Collectors, enthusiasts and casual observers alike, please step this way…

History and documentation

• Registered in the UK 18 Jan 1998 in Ireland

• Originally delivered to the Ayama District (now Iga) in Japan

• Japanese service record from 1994 to 1998

• Service history in Japan as follows: Dec 1994 @ 8,625km, Jun 1995 @ 15,210km, Dec 1995 @ 25,500km, Nov 1996 @ 32,118km, Nov 1997 @ 43,321km

• Imported into the UK in 1998,

• Service history in the UK as follows: Dec 1998 @ 54,822km, Nov 1999 @ 66,088km, Dec 1999 @ 66,892km, Nov 2000 @ 72,540km, Nov 2000 @ 73,312km, Dec 2001 @ 80,420km, Jun 2004 @ 90,126km, Jan 2008 @ 111,564km, May 2023 @ 112,000km

• Used regularly in the UK until 2008, when it was put into dry storage and used intermittently

• Invoices for rebuilds and recommissioning in 2023 and 2024

• Engine rebuild invoice from Wilks Engines at a cost of £3,280 in 2024

• The seller notes the original Subaru ‘closed deck’ block design was retained

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys and two immobiliser fobs

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 04 Jun 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Factory-specification interior in excellent condition

• Subaru period-correct Nardi steering wheel

• We note some light wear to the high-traffic areas such as the door card lower halves, door jamb kick plates and floor mats

• The leather on the steering wheel has been worn smooth over the years, and shows some minor indentations

• Looking around the cabin, the switches and dashboard plastics look to be in great condition for both their age and mileage

• All four seats are in excellent condition, with no rips or tears that we can see and no signs of heavy wear or staining to the rear of the front seats

• The seller notes that the driver’s seat bolster foam has been repaired in the past

• We’re told that the air-conditioning is currently inoperative, but there are no other reported faults or issues

• In the rear, the boot is tidy and all of the carpets are present, with only a small stain visible on the upper offside trim panel

• Overall, a fantastic example of a 90s JDM interior that is free of the usual divisive upgrades and modifications

Exterior

• Very good overall condition and wonderfully original-looking with no aftermarket body kits fitted

• Fantastic Vivienne Red (936) paintwork

• We note a couple of small touched-in stone chips, specifically on the boot lid and one on the nearside rear quarter panel

• The seller states that the car has likely had paintwork on the front bumper, bonnet and roof over the years, and that there are no parking dents or dings on the bodywork

• We’re told that the arches are solid and have not knowingly been welded, and that the underneath is also solid - backed up by a clean recent MoT exam

• Being very particular, there is some minor imperfections to the inside lip of the nearside rear arch

• STI-badged mudflaps

• Period-correct Subaru wheels in excellent condition, wrapped in Toyo Proxes T1R tyres that have covered circa 5,000 miles

• Looking closely, we note some imperfections in the paintwork of the outer rim of the nearside rear wheel

• Correct STI / WRX badging and graphics

• Some light patination noted to the wiper arms

• As far as we can see, all of the light lenses are clear and free of damage

• Aftermarket fog light fitted below the rear bumper for UK MoT testing

• Polished HKS Silentpower exhaust back box

Mechanical

• 1994cc turbocharged ‘boxer four’ engine producing 250bhp

• Engine rebuild in 2024 due to burning oil and a leaking sump seal - invoice in the gallery

• The aforementioned rebuild retained the closed-deck architecture, but included extensive refurbishment and fitment of a new turbocharger at the same time

• Original five-speed manual transmission, mated to a CC Stage 2 clutch and lightened CC flywheel, sending power to all four wheels

• Link G4 ECU fitted, but running a standard map

• Rebuilt rear differential

• New Subaru power steering pump

• Refurbished front brake calipers

• New front / rear brake discs

• HKS Silent power exhaust system

• TD05 turbocharger with billeted wheel in 2024 during the aforementioned engine rebuild

• Engine bay in outstanding condition - practically box-fresh in its appearance

• The seller notes that there is a very slight driveline whine at precisely 59/60 mph, and a very slight deceleration noise at low speeds,  but notes that this is to be expected on an old WRX STI

• Other than the above noted by a very fastidious seller, the car is reported to be in excellent health with precise steering and dead-straight braking
  
  

Summary

Boasting rarity both in its production numbers and wonderfully original condition, this desirable early-production WRX STI V1 is an important piece of JDM and Subaru automotive history - this is the car that spawned a legend, which would go on to be a key cornerstone for automotive culture the world over.

Mercifully devoid of any ghastly modifications, bodykits or low-budget bodging, we reckon this Impreza will fly off our virtual shelves and prove a hit with PH’ers, so make sure to get your bids in to be in with a chance of having this wonderful 90s icon on your driveway.

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 Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.