1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi

Built to celebrate both the marque's 40th anniversary and its third straight WRC manufacturers' title, the 22B STi was billed as the production version of Subaru's already-iconic two-door World Rally Car. With its beefy front and rear arches increasing width by 80mm, a high-rise rear spoiler and the unique EJ22 engine, the 22B was as close to Colin McRae's rally car as any mortal was ever going to get. It wasn't so much a homologation special but more of a road-going replica.

Data suggests that a total of 426 cars were manufactured. Three cars, designated #000, were presented to Colin McRae, Nicky Grist and David Lapworth, there was no number 13, and 24 cars were manufactured for issue outside of Japan. Of these 24, 16 were delivered to the UK and the other eight went to Subaru concessions throughout the world.

Each 22B was hand-built starting with a lightweight 2-door WRX bodyshell with the front and rear arches removed and replaced with wide arches to facilitate the increased track (40mm upfront and 80mm at the rear). The cubic capacity was increased to 2.2-litres from 2.0-litres and, when combined with custom fuel rails, lightweight forged pistons and a large IHI VF23 roller-bearing turbo, an additional 70bhp and huge mid-range torque at 3,000rpm resulted. The package is neatly finished off with the same adjustable rear spoiler as the WRC car enabling downforce to be varied on twisty tarmac events.

Offered here at the 2023 Race Retro International Historic Motorsport Show is #100 of the 400 limited examples manufactured for the Japanese domestic market. On offer from long-term ownership, a clean HPI report shows that this example was imported in 2002 with our vendor taking ownership of the rare Subaru in 2004. It's presented in lovely overall condition with the Sonic Blue paintwork retaining a deep gloss and the interior also presents very nicely. There are a few period modifications such as the performance exhaust and uprated brakes with original items forming part of the sale (as seen in the images) along with a nice set of genuine OZ Magnesium wheels also in gold.

Accompanied by a history file which includes the current V5C registration papers ready for transfer of ownership or export, invoices for parts and maintenance over the years, MOT Certificates, original parts (as seen in our professional images) and the Cherished Registration Number, R22 BDP, which will also form part of the sale.

These iconic modern classics are becoming increasingly difficult to source, especially in such excellent order. Enthusiasts across the globe are keen to make sure a 22B STi features in their collection and rightly so as this golden era of rallying will never be repeated.