SUBARU IMPREZA P1

Built at Subaru's Fuji Heavy Industries plant in Japan and honed by rally royalty, Prodrive, the Impreza P1 was always destined to become the hugely desirable modern classic that we rightfully see it as today. Built in a limited run of just 1,000 cars, every one featured the iconic Blue Mica paintwork, Anthracite 17" OZ racing wheels and a plethora of upgrades and unique features. It's easy to see why the P1 has gained such a cult following.

Based on the two-door bodyshell, with aerodynamics enhanced by Peter Stevens of McLaren F1 fame, beefier running gear and a fabulous suspension setup by Prodrive, the P1 has more in common with the legendary Impreza 22B than its larger four-door Impreza WRX contemporaries. Developed with British B-roads in mind, by the very same company which helped the likes of Colin McRae, Petter Solberg and Richard Burns win World Rally Championships, the 'Prodrive One' was intended to counter the wave of grey-import STI Type-Rs arriving from Japan.

Upgrades to the P1 were extensive, but not intrusive. The list includes a more powerful 280bhp engine (up 69bhp from a standard Impreza Turbo), mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with longer gearing and ABS brakes meaning the difference between a standard Impreza and a P1 is minimal. In addition to the 17" titanium-finish alloy wheels and rally-proven suspension, further upgrades include a big-bore exhaust and a quick-shift gear linkage.

This particular UK-registered P1 (#0899/1,000) has formed part of a small private Collection since 2019 and presents superbly. Always garaged and kept under a soft cover, #0899 was first registered on 15 September 2000 by Bell & Colville in Surrey, since which time it has been used sparingly but cared for as and when required. Maintenance has been diligent, clearly illustrated by the 28 service stamps (the most recent on 17th June 2024), all from main agents, detailing such recent works as a cam belt replacement in 2022, work to the underside in the same year, air-conditioning re-gas in 2023 and more recently, a set of Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Pleasingly for all fans of the marque, the car has remained unmodified and in 'factory-spec' even down to the rare option of larger 330mm Prodrive brakes, made for Prodrive by Alcon in the USA. It's accompanied by not only the comprehensive service history, but also by all the original manuals, period sales brochures and Prodrive sales literature, the original tools and the jack as well as the 'Space Saver' spare which remains seemingly unused.

To fully appreciate the superb and original overall condition on offer, we welcome and encourage your early inspection of this increasingly desirable low-production Subaru.