1998 Subaru Impreza

By 1998 Subaru had campaigned the Impreza to an impressive three manufacturer titles in the WRC. Perennial proponents of the special edition, Subaru released a mere 333 examples of the “Terzo” edition (Italian for “third”) that year, by way of celebration.

Our car is an official UK specified and supplied car, originally sold by Lancaster Subaru of Reading in April 1998. Documented as number 10 of 333, the first lucky owner retained the Impreza for around 14 months, covering around 1,000 miles a month during his ownership.

In September 1999 the second, and last registered, keeper bought the Terzo, once again, from Lancaster Subaru. This second custodian retained and cherished the Impreza right up until his sad passing in late 2015. During his ownership the car was regularly used and enjoyed with the mileage increasing to 91,305 in a satisfyingly linear fashion. This regular use was mirrored with equally regular servicing. Sixteen stamps document the maintenance regimen during this ownership, all but one at official Subaru dealers.

The current owner, a self-confessed Subaru enthusiast, acquired the Impreza from the previous owner’s widow in May 2016. The car was immediately consigned to dry storage at that stage. The Impreza emerged earlier this year to be made ready for sale, with the current owner only now selling to help fund a property purchase.

Please note that the seller does not have a V5, so the winning bidder will have to apply to DVLA for one. 

The Terzo edition is externally differentiated in a handful of key ways. Probably the least obvious, to all but the best informed, is the car’s distinctive hue. The Terzo edition is finished in Mica Blue (74F) which is a subtly lighter shade than the WR Blue, or more colloquially named Subaru Blue, of the WRC cars. The finish on our car appears to be in an excellent overall condition, strongly hinting at a garaged existence even before its recent spell in dry storage. All panels seem to exude a good level of lustrous shine with no significant imperfections noted or reported.

More noticeably, the Terzo edition is noted for showcasing the first official appearance of the WRC style gold wheels on a Subaru road car. These are 16-inch items with the distinctive, five curved spoke design and boasting unusually open architecture. The condition of these appears to be excellent all round with no dings, dents or significant kerb rash noted. On close inspection there are some minor patches of bubbling in evidence. These distinctive rims are shod with a new set of Toyo Proxes in a 205/50 configuration.

The last of the Terzo-specific exterior features is the bespoke decal set. These consist of two decals displayed on each of the wings, beside the indicator repeaters. These appear a little faded but original and complete. On the boot lid is a third decal combining special Terzo script with the traditional model designations.

Cabin glass and light lenses all appear clean and original. Other Impreza staples appear present and correct including the deep front air dam complete with integrated, large circular driving lamps. This is accompanied by a familiar looking, body coloured boot lid spoiler. A pair of extended side skirts at sill level completes the aerodynamic addenda.

The Impreza’s cabin is a surprisingly practical and durable environment for such an admired and esteemed performance car. Like the exterior, a trio of special features differentiate the Terzo edition from its more ubiquitous brethren. The high backed and deeply bolstered front seats are finished with woven “jersey” extremities with light grey Alcantara centres, which is a Terzo refinement (code 830). The panels are differentiated by oversized red stitching. The rear bench is identically trimmed and provides usefully spacious accommodation. In this Terzo edition the rear seat back is fixed in order to further improve the shell’s torsional rigidity. The condition of all upholstery appears excellent.

The straightforward gauge set is familiar Impreza fare, consisting of grey on white faces combined with numerous warning lights housed under a hooded binnacle. These sit behind a sublime, four spoke Momo steering wheel finished in a combination of perforated and smooth black leather. The centre console houses the original, Subaru branded, 4 x 30W radio cassette head unit. This sits above the all important Terzo enamel plaque, declaring this as number 10 of a mere 333 of this special edition.

The sight of the original radio cassette head unit helps to underline what a highly original car this is. That makes it even rarer that its 10 of 333 status already suggests. Unmodified Imprezas of any vintage or ilk are hard to find indeed, with the interiors seeming to particularly suffer from the attentions of the modifiers.

This, of course, is where the Impreza really shines courtesy of a technical specification forged in the white heat of rally competition. Motive power is provided by the revered 1,994cc EJ20 Subaru four-cylinder boxer engine. Thanks to multi-point fuel injection, turbocharger and accompanying intercooler this modest capacity unit originally delivered 208bhp at 6,000rpm and 214 Ib-ft of torque at 4,000rpm. These impressive for the time figures combined with permanent four-wheel drive and a featherweight 1,235kg kerb weight to endow the Subaru with sling-shot performance in all conditions. Originally quoted performance figures suggested a six-ish second 0-60mph time and a 140mph plus top speed.

In preparation for sale the Impreza has undergone a pragmatic schedule of works to help optimise peace of mind for the next owner. This includes a full-service including a replacement timing belt, tensioners, cam seals and water pump kit. A brake overhaul has been undertaken and four new Toyo tyres have been fitted. The underbody including the outer sills has been wax oiled to treat any surface rust and help future proof the car.

Under the louvred bonnet the recurring theme of astounding originality continues. The inner panels are straight, true and clean and the expected Fuji Heavy Industries data plate is present as expected. Even the under-bonnet insulation is complete and looks like it could well be original. There is some minor surface corrosion noted to some of the alloy surfaces but this only to be expected for the age and mileage. The underside of the Impreza looks very straight and seemingly corrosion free with ample original looking underseal in evidence.

A concise but interesting paperwork archive is present helping to underscore the fine provenance of this low owner example. The original book pack is present together with the period correct embossed vinyl folder. The book pack includes the all-important service and warranty booklet. This exhibits a full 17 service stamps, with all bar one being from approved Subaru dealers. 

The current MoT is present in hard copy and is valid until October 2024. The online MoT history reveals only passes since those records commenced in 2007.

Since there is no V5 with this car, the winning bidder will have to complete a V62 form and submit it to the DVLA.

The Subaru Impreza’s huge reputation has been hard fought and won, primarily on gruelling rally stages the world over. This win on Sunday, sell on Monday ethos has helped to ensure that the Impreza remains a highly sought after and increasingly desirable hero car of iconic proportions. Whilst not yet a rare car overall, it is a different story for special editions and completely stock and unmolested examples which are becoming increasingly scarce and, hence, desirable. 

This example ticks both those important boxes. The Terzo edition was limited to a run of 333 examples originally with, inevitably, a proportion of those no longer in circulation. Also, the originality on display here is amazing for an Impreza of any type. Add to that an excellent overall condition and an enviable service history and you have an example that should insistently demand the attention of those in the know.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £9,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Peacehaven, East Sussex. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.