1994 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 1

Finished in Vivienne Red (936) and with the seller in Abergavenny (is any country more closely associated with rallying than Wales?) this 1994 Subaru Impreza Turbo WRX STI Version 1 is one of the rarest and most sought-after Subaru Imprezas of them all.

Built to special order and hand-finished by the then recently created ‘STI’ tuning house, just 267 wagons and 654 saloons were built – and of those 654 saloons, just 85 were finished in this colour, making it even rarer.

This one was built in March 1994 and given the number 043/100. It spent the first four years in the Ayama District (now Iga) of Japan before being exported to Northern Ireland (probably the only country with an equally strong rallying heritage as Wales…) being registered there on the 18th January 1999.

It then moved to England where it was in constant use until 2008, when it was dry-stored for the next 15 years. The seller bought it from a “prominent collector” who had the car in dry storage for years. A lengthy – and expensive – recommission followed, about which we’ll talk later.

Said to be “almost entirely stock except for the sports exhaust system”, this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a very rare car.

The seller describes the bodywork thus: “the arches and sills are all still the factory items, as is the vast majority of the paint work. It even still sports its original and factory fitted STI decals (however, the front STI decal is standard but has been replaced) and original spoiler.”

As you can see, you can’t accuse him of hyperbole. Collection-ready, it features straight panels, excellent shutlines, and an unholy gleam to that red paintwork, a colour that shows off those iconic lines and very of-the-period decals to perfection.

Other Impreza staples such as the huge front foglamps, massive bonnet scoop, and multiple air vents are all present and correct. It really is a helluva design, isn’t it?

The light lenses, badges, and glazing is equally good, and the 15-inch Subaru alloy wheels aren’t only in a terrific condition, they’re also fitted with a matching set of period-correct and brand-new 205/50R15 Toyo T1R Tyres that were fitted only this year.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The interior, trim code 420, is very good. Still believed to have the original seats, Nardi Torino steering wheel, and radio, it features esoteric delights such as a switch for the intercooler water spray.

The seats are an absolute delight. Hugely supportive, of course, but also wonderfully comfortable, they took those of us in the office who were old enough to remember the Impreza when it was new straight back to the halcyon days when we were still magnificent and anything was possible.

Therein lies the appeal of modern classics like this; we couldn’t afford to buy much less insure them when they were new, so a car as well preserved and carefully curated as this is a great way to recapture our youth.

Door cards, headlining, carpets and dashboard are all very good and very original. It might not be the most elegant interior of its generation but everything in there is tough, reliable and ergonomic, which is more important than indulgent design flourishes when you’re going sideways through a forest, surely?

Of course, like us, the Subaru does show its age. For example, the centre panels on the seats are a little saggy, so why not treat them to the facelift you’re too sensible to endure yourself?

Other problems are even more minor. There are some marks on the pockets in the driver’s door and, well, that’s about it. Japanese build quality really is a thing.

Following its 15-year hiatus, the seller set about overhauling it to get it fit for the road again. A major service was carried out in May 2023 at 112,000kms, which included replacing the engine oil and filter, and fitting a new fuel filter, air filter, and a set of spark plugs. The cambelt was changed, including the tensioners and auxiliary belt, and the cooling system refreshed by way of a new waterpump, thermostat, oil pump and radiator.

The clutch was also replaced along with the clutch slave cylinder and spigot bearing. Engine work included fitting a new exhaust manifold gasket, turbo gasket, and rocket cover gasket. The braking system was inspected and found to need nothing other than new discs and pads on all four corners.

It then “passed its MoT test with flying colours and a further 100kms was covered to shake it down.” The engine bay itself is decent but would benefit from being detailed to bring it up to the same condition as the rest of the vehicle. The underside looks good.

The seller describes its maintenance history as follows:

• 14/12/1994 at 8,625kms - inspection and service by Autobacs Uneo Ayama Japan

• 15/06/1995 at 15,210kms - inspection and service by Autobacs Uneo Ayama Japan

• 04/12/1995 at 25,500kms - inspection and service by Autobacs Uneo Ayama Japan

• 04/11/1996 at 32,118kms - annual service by Autobacs Uneo Ayama Japan

• 10/11/1997 at 43,321kms - annual service by Autobacs Uneo Ayama Japan

• 29/12/1998 at 54,822kms – imported into the UK. MoT carried out via the VIN before full registration on 18th January 1999. A full health check and minor service by Vulcan Motors Ltd

• 11/11/1999 at 66,088kms - full service including Mobil 1 oil plus new oil, air and fuel filters change and Bosch sparkplugs by Power + Engineering

• 18/12/1999 at 66,892kms - MoT and minor service by GB Motors

• 06/11/2000 at 72,540kms - major service including cambelt kit by Steve Lawson Subaru

• 25/11/2000 at 73,312km - minor service plus brake discs and pads all round by Chris Subaru

• 21/12/2000 at 73,811km - MoT

• 08/12/2001 at 80,420kms – MoT and minor service by GB Motors

• 10/06/2004 at 90,126kms - major service including cambelt and waterpump by ScoobySport Essex

• 25/04/2007 at 11,189 (Misread) actual mileage was 111,189 KM’s carry out MOT by Crossways Garage

• 18/01/2008 at 111,564kms - major service including cambelt and waterpump by ScoobySport Essex

• 03/05/2008 at 11,897 (Misread) actual mileage was 111,897 KM’s carry out MOT by Crossways Garage

• 0/05/2023 at 112,000kms - major mechanical overhaul as per description carried out by Hobbs Automotive/CandK Motors

• 12/05/2023 at 112,012kms – MoT by Charles Auto Repair Services

The car comes with all its original literature including the service book, owner’s manuals, and some sales brochures. It also has a raft of paperwork dating back from day one to present. Please see the photos for details.

The Impreza’s MoT certificate is valid until May 2024 and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

One of just 85 built to this specification and thought to be one of only around 20 still on the road, this Vivienne Red example is so much more interesting than the ubiquitous - albeit iconic - blue-and-gold examples.

It’s also in a better condition than most we see, which further adds to the Scooby’s charms. Dial in a known history and only a little further cosmetic work needed to allow it to fulfil its potential and you’ve got a very desirable car.

Which means it’s guide price of £20,000 makes it fantastic value, especially when you factor in its originality; so many Imprezas have been modified and bodged over the years that the market has long prized cars like this above all others and with a whole new generation of enthusiasts starting to discover the Scooby’s charms, examples like this are sure to be in demand among well-heeled enthusiasts who missed them the first-time round.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. 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’.