1995 Subaru Impreza - Series McRae #005

The Impreza ‘Series McRae’ was released in 1995 and was the first of many limited-edition Subaru Impreza. Subaru Japan commissioned Prodrive to create a limited run of 100 cars to celebrate the 1994 UK Lombard RAC win by Colin McRae and Derek Ringer. During the 1995 season, and after Toyota got caught with their variable turbo aperture and were excluded, it became clear that Subaru would win (virtually uncontested) the 1995 WRC manufacturers crown so Subaru then decided to extend the run of Series McRae to 200 cars. They were all built in the UK by Prodrive. The specification included special paintwork finished in exclusive Mica Blue chosen by Colin, unique Recaro front seats with ‘Series McRae’ embroidered onto the backs, unique decals and a numbered plaque on the centre console. The first 100 were different to the second 100 with subtle body changes. The plaque in the 2nd 100 cars reads 'World Rally Champions'.

This outstanding example, number #005 of the 200 cars, was sourced by our vendor with the intention of completing a ground-up, exacting restoration. Formally a Prodrive engineer who worked directly alongside Colin McRae, developing and testing his championship winning cars from this era, he has specific knowledge and absolutely the right skill set to restore this Impreza.

The intention was to source a good car with a low build number as, within Prodrive circles, the first 100 were considered to have superior build quality. Once a suitable example of the limited run cars was sourced, the project commenced with a complete breakdown. The preparation for the shell alone cost in excess of £8,000 such was the fastidious attention to detail, every seam had to be perfect. With the underside complete with rust protection and finished with body colour stone chip, the shell was reconstructed with genuine new panels where required, painted professionally and fitted up correctly with absolute attention to panel fit.

All mechanical items were checked, restored or replaced with correct parts before complete reassembly. Naturally, new bushes, ball joints and bearings were used in all areas to complete the rolling shell. The fuel system was totally overhauled with a fully refurbished tank and new parts including filler neck and tank straps. The matching numbers engine and all ancillaries were stripped for inspection before a total rebuild including an OEM oil pump, shell bearings, piston rings, timing belt kit, water pump, new intercooler, recon Turbo, new starter motor and new alternator. The original gearbox was overhauled and mated back to the engine with a new clutch kit before being mounted with new engine mounts. The car was finished off with perfectly refurbished wheels including new TOYO tyres, wheel nuts, a brand new Prodrive ECU, and an original Prodrive performance pack exhaust. The restoration is documented on the Series McRae Owners Club register and research indicates that there are just 70 examples currently registered in the UK.

The detailed history file covers the car's early history as a dealership demonstrator travelling the UK celebrating the manufacturer's victories. Also within the file are invoices and images supporting the restoration, spare keys, a current V5C showing just three previous keepers and a new MOT valid to August 2024.

Further information is available on request outlining this detailed restoration and we welcome any inspection of this very impressive 'Series McRae'. Beautifully restored and offered at a very sensible guide, this one could turn out to be a rather shrewd investment.