Subaru Legacy S401 STI | Spotted
The Japanese M car you've probably never heard of...
So let's assume you’ve got a thing for fast Subarus and you’re wondering which example to go for. Obviously, anything with an STI badge on it is going to be a winner, but where do you go from there? There are Type UK and JDM variants, then there are the Prodrive editions, rally-inspired cars, anniversary models, Spec Cs and Type RAs. It’s all very confusing. But there is a version that serves as an ‘STI greatest hits’ – one that mixes all the best bits from the performance arm’s back catalogue in a more road-focused package.
These models formed the ‘S’ series: limited-run cars with every option ticked from the STI catalogue and sold, to the surprise of no one, exclusively to the Japanese market. The series kicked off with the hilariously gawky Impreza S201 in the late 1990s, before taking the form of a more hardcore S202 version of the Type-RA when the ‘bugeye’ generation came about. The subsequent S203 and S204 models were about the closest thing to a Japanese M car, with 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg playing a part in setting up the suspension. Not nearly as mental as the RA-R, but its performance would be far more accessible as a result.
The thing is, Subaru had already hit upon a more road-focused saloon two years earlier with the Legacy. Launching in 2002, the S401 was intended to be a more sophisticated tourer to compliment the barmy S202 Impreza. It was based around the Legacy B4 RSK, with STI taking a microscope to every element to see how it could be improved, no matter how big or small. On the suspension, tougher coils were combined with new front and rear stabilisers, while the mounting points for the engine, transmission and bushes were strengthened for better rigidity. The steering ratio was quickened, too, and Subaru says it even adjusted the ‘hydraulic pressure characteristics’ of the power steering for good measure.
Similar attention was given to the engine. Based on the same 2.0-litre, twin-turbo EJ20 motor as the RSK, STI set about manually rebalancing the pistons, conrods and crankshaft, before bolting on a new induction and exhaust system. The result was 293hp and 253lb ft of torque, up from the RSK’s 280hp and 240lb ft. Not a huge leap, but the incremental improvements made across the car would have no doubt led to a considerably more focused platform.
Not that you’d know just by looking at it. The S401 broke the STI trend of outlandish body kits and giant wings with a visual package that was far more reserved. A new front bumper, bespoke 18-inch BBS wheels and the yellow-callipered Brembo brakes behind them are the only significant visual changes, but that was all part of the S401’s appeal. Well, to those who bought one anyway. Production was initially capped at 400 units, matching that of the S202, but while the latter sold out within a matter of weeks, it’s believed only 286 were built before the model was discontinued.
Either way, it’s a real rarity and it’s definitely something that’ll draw a few looks at your local Japanese car fest. This 2003 car seems to be a prime example, with newly refurbished wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber. It’s a recent import as well, yet to be spoiled by our wintery, salty roads. Rust prevention is always a good starting point with any Japanese car of this vintage, but otherwise this 59,000 miler looks ready to roll. And at £24,500, it’s at the very least £10k cheaper than the equivalent S203 or S204 Impreza. You really are getting more for less.
SPECIFICATION | SUBARU LEGACY S401 STI VERSION
Engine: 1,994cc four-cylinder, twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 293@6,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 253@4,400rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 2003
Recorded mileage: 59,000
Price new: N/A (Japan)
Yours for: £24,500
NZ offering for less......
A mechanic mate had (possibly still has) 2 or 3 of these in different colours stashed away, which he picked up quite cheap when practically nobody knew about them. When I had my GTB we discussed the idea of copying the s401 ECU map onto it but never did anything about it.
I was keeping an eye on an imported silver Celica GT4 a number of years ago that initially started at around £8k, this was already the top end of the market by a significant margin at that point but it looked like a good one. Over a period of time, it may well have been getting on for two years but was certainly over one, it near enough doubled in price all whilst seemingly not being an attractive enough proposition for anybody to actually buy it. Go figure!
I am sure this seems pedantic, but it does rather jar...
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