SUBARU IMPREZA WRX TYPE R STI VERSION V LIMITED

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at Wheeler Dealer Live 2025 on Sunday the 1st of June, Bicester Motion, OX26 5HA.

The Impreza WRX STi Type-R was introduced to the Japanese Domestic Market in January 1997. Utilising the two-door bodyshell, it had several features aimed directly at homologation for rallying and this is the model that Prodrive used for its 'Group N' customer cars and was also the donor vehicle for the 'Group A' WRC in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000

The two-door body is slightly stronger/stiffer than the four-door RA and a solid rear bulkhead increased torsional stiffness even further

Apart from the bodyshell, differences between the Type-R and the JDM four-door STi models included a short-ratio gearbox, an adjustable Electromechanical Centre Differential (DCCD), the absence of ABS, intercooler water spray, two opposed pistons on the rear brake calipers (instead of four) and some cosmetic differences like rear tinted glass, a radio/aerial delete and the 555 SWRT seats

Version V (5) Limited cars were built between November 1998 and March 1999 and the official figures confirm that 635 were produced. They differed only in being painted Sonic Blue (74F) and fitted with a roof flap

A four page invoice in the history file from R.A.Motorsports confirm that in March 2018, £12,536 was invested in the car which included a full engine rebuild (new block, Wiseco forged pistons, Xtreme clutch, lightweight flywheel etc.), suspension, brakes and bodywork. A further series of nine detailed invoices from Cliftons (February 2021 to April 2022) totalling £7,516 indicate that the car's maintenance has been detailed and fastidious

An impressive example of a rare Impreza