2003 Subaru Impreza WRX-STi Type UK

Introduced at the 2001 Frankfurt Show, the STi is powered by a 265bhp 2.0-litre flat four engine, but don't be fooled into thinking that it's merely a case of plugging in a more aggressive engine management chip or a bucket-sized turbocharger. The later 2003 facelifted car followed the same theme with revised suspension and a few engine tweaks.

Differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever. Also, inside - and sure to please enthusiasts - is a switch to spray the intercooler with water. Another device allows the driver to pre-set a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine. On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners with a dramatic mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with STi lettering. In addition, the STi Prodrive Style features a massive high-riding boot spoiler, newly designed sill spoilers and a deeper, squarer front bumper. The grille and badging resemble the WRC rally car. Interior enhancements over the standard STi include dark blue-coloured instruments with red needles. Four colours were available: WR Blue Mica, Blue Black Mica, Premium Silver Metallic and Pure White, the latter two being available to special order only.

The car presented here is a UK-supplied, 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX-STI Type-UK finished in WR Blue Mica that has covered just 4,974 miles from new. It was purchased by our vendor two and a half years ago from a Subaru main dealer, where it had been used by the Dealership Principal as his personal car. Prior to that, it had belonged to a local couple who bought the car from new and then changed ownership from the wife to the husband at the same address, where (we are told) it was cherished in its own heated and carpeted garage from 2003 to 2020 presumably contributing to the car’s superb condition. Our vendor has carried on the tradition and also keeps the car in a dry and carpeted garage emerging occasionally to cover 243 miles in his ownership

It’s supplied with all its Prodrive Performance Pack upgrades, original alloys and one replacement key with everything else kept original apart from the front headlamps cosmetic upgrade. It’s accompanied by the original book pack and stamped service book which shows three stamps: at 1,000 miles on 17th April 2003, a 10,000 mile service on 2nd April 2005 when showing 2,598 miles and finally a 60,000 mile service (see invoice attached) showing in the booklet as ‘Full Service & Cambelt’ as the 3rd stamp and showing 4,730 miles on 12th March 2020. All precautionary replacement of parts from the full service in March 2020 have been retained by the owner and will be available for the new owner if preferred. Our vendor’s local garage completed MOTs in March 2021 (no advisories), and March 2022 (no advisories) with an oil service at the same time.

These are special cars and, should you be in the market for one, this superbly presented example ticks all the boxes; 4,974 miles, a detailed service history, and three owners - two fastidious enthusiasts split by a Subaru Dealer Principal who wanted to keep it for himself.