2000 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 the 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, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg win World Rally Championships, the 'Prodrive One' was intended to counter the wave of 'grey import' STI Type Rs coming from Japan.

The 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. Further upgrades include a big-bore exhaust, quick-shift gear linkage, 17" titanium-finish alloy wheels and a rally-proven suspension set-up. With the sprint from 0-60 taking just 4.66 seconds, the P1 certainly has the bite to match the bark.

This remarkable example has only covered 23,188 miles from new in the hands of its three keepers and is unmodified, unrestored, and well specified from new. First registered through Showells Garage Subaru on 7th July 2000 to a Mr G. Drew, this P1 presents exceptionally well throughout.

The first owner ensured this P1 had the desirable factory option upgraded 18" Prodrive wheels and Prodrive’s Big Front Brake kit, as well as assigning the Cherished Registration P4 SCC (included in the sale), which has been fitted since brand new, retaining original Showells Subaru dealer number plates, dealer sticker, and dealer tax disc holder.

Mr Drew purchased the car new in July 2000 from Showells Garage Subaru and used it sparingly up until 2008 when he decided to take it off the road. A keeper change is recorded in April 2002 however the vehicle was still in the custody of Mr Drew, who continued ownership until April 2017.

The new custodian moved this timepiece into climate-controlled indoor storage where it has remained since, with exception to mild recommissioning completed this year as detailed further below. The service records are impeccable, all stamped in the original service book at the following times:

07/08/2000 – 1,068 miles - Showells Garage Subaru (the supplying dealer)

06/03/2001 – 6,119 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

03/08/2001 – 9,375 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

11/02/2002 – 13,827 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

11/04/2003 – 16,080 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

11/06/2003 – 17,199 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

10/06/2004 – 18,754 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

16/06/2005 – 20,262 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

08/06/2006 – 21,466 miles - Showells Garage Subaru

17/04/2008 – 22,758 miles - Startin of Worcester Subaru

05/05/2023 – 23,188 miles - Timing belt, aux belts, all fluids and filters replaced with a Subaru specialist, mostly OEM Subaru parts used, total cost £2,494.98.

The rest of the history file makes for very pleasant viewing, including all Subaru books, service book, both Subaru keys, and both fobs.

In May 2023, before starting the engine following the extended 15-year hibernation, it underwent a major service, including OEM Subaru timing belt and water pump replacement, all fluids and filters replaced, new aux belts, new battery, new brake pads, new exhaust centre section, new fuel pump, fresh fuel and fired into life on the first attempt. All work was completed by a Subaru specialist using OEM Subaru parts sourced from Roger Clark Motorsport where possible. The total cost of parts, labour, and general recommissioning was a reassuring £2,494.98 and the vehicle has only been driven for around ten miles since start-up and it drove beautifully, as expected for its low mileage. Additionally, it will come with a fresh MOT by the time of sale.

It's hard to find an Impreza P1 in today’s market, regardless of condition, so to find such a great example, unrestored, unmodified, well-maintained and low miles is not far off mythical status! With soaring prices of Japanese Domestic Market cars, and 22Bs heading well north of £100,000 in recent years, this really smart P1 seems exceptionally good value, and is perfect for any discerning collector, enthusiast or purist.