2001 Subaru Impreza P1

Rally toys are big right now. The GR Yaris has reminded the general public and motoring press alike what a joy homologation machines can be. Though the P1 wasn’t strictly built to homologate anything, it follows the same formula. It’s more powerful than the standard cars, has optimised aero and mechanics and was built in limited numbers (just 1000 in this instance).

This P1 (number 752) has all of the above appeal plus just 60k miles on its odometer and a bulging wad of accompanying history to prove it’s been very well cared for from new. Originally supplied north of the border to our rally-obsessed cousins in Scotland, the car remained ‘on the books’ of its Subaru supplying dealer until 2005. The car’s condition really speaks volumes as to its level of care since. Both exterior and interior are in extraordinaryily good condition.

According to the vendor, recently repainted in the famous blue hue of its rally brethren, this P1 certainly looks stage ready. Though it’s clear from its exceptional condition that it’s never seen gravel or wet mud under its 225 cross-section Pirellis. That pronounced chin spoiler is often pebble dashed with chips, though there’s very little here to indicate that it’s ever seen an errant bit of igneous. The large rear wing, complete with its carbonfibre lip remains looking as aggressive and purposeful as Prodrive intended, as do the deep side skirts.

Someone has given in to the usual Impreza-owning temptation of fitting a large-bore aftermarket exhaust, though thankfully a far more original sized stainless-steel alternative system (used, but in a protective wrap) is included in the sale. The original OZ alloy wheels, signed-off by Prodrive, appear to have seen some refurbishment work recently as they present very well. The AP Racing red brake calipers are clearly visible through their spokes and the discs look to have plenty of life in them still. Each gunmetal grey wheel is wrapped in a very healthy and matching Pirelli Pzero Nero tyre.

Early noughties Subaru cabins aren’t renowned for feeling special but this one does its best to buck that trend. There’s subtle red stitching to the edges of the seat bases, around the gear and handbrake leather, yet it’s the blue of the exterior that’s echoed in here to greater effect. The outer ‘hips’ and the tops of the seats have a blue cloth finish that’s picked up in the stitching on the rest of the trim. The same shade of light blue beams from the centre console build plaque in addition to the protective mats – though we’re not sure if these are standard items or not. Alcantara sections in the centre of the seats, front and rear, lift the cloth with a premium touch. The stunning Prodrive buckets fitted up front have harness cut outs to further reinforce the racing feel of this special machine.

Overall this Impreza’s cabin seems to present almost like new. There are just a few very minor marks here and there to give the game away that it was actually constructed two decades ago. A little fabric wear on the driver’s seat base just starting to emerge is a very minor complaint, as are the general light marks and scratches to door pulls. The centre boss of the Momo steering wheel appears to not be seated fully, as its top right edge has peeled a little back from flush. Perhaps it’s been off before or the securing tang has broken? We were unable to tell from our inspection, but it’s hardly a big deal.

If you’ve read this far then you likely won’t need us to tell you that Impreza’s like to rust. This UK special edition has had to endure 20 of our winters and all the salt and punishment that involves. So we were speechless when we first set eyes on this car and saw how good it looked. The subframes front and back still have protective black paint on them and elsewhere, there’s plenty of factory underseal keeping things tidy.

Okay, let's get fussy: there is a some scuffs on the jacking points, the offside front sill to floor closing area seems to show clumsy jacking took place once. The suspension struts have been painted red at some point in the past but have been repainted black, but only to the side facing the wheels. The springs are showing some light corrosion (certainly nothing that would affect their operation).

The engine bay is largely in keeping with a car of this age. It’s business-like and appears leak free but the red paint that originally covered the engine’s intakes has all-but flaked off. The carbonfibre strut brace in the engine bay remains in excellent condition, stiffening things up nicely and keeping the suspension tops perfectly aligned.

With a car as historically significant as this monster Impreza it’s reassuring to find that the original Subaru ‘book pack’ from the supplying dealer remains with the car. This lists security info and of course includes the service and warranty literature. Nice additions to this Impreza’s history are the vehicle id and registration from Aird Motors Ltd. in Beauly, Inverness.

This P1 remained with its supplying dealer for a few years and covered its first 21k miles in Scotland, with four of the first five services carried out by Subaru dealers. It then moves right down to Surrey where we see evidence of annual oil and filter services from 2006 to 2011 – regardless of mileage. P. Warren & Co. are called upon to keep this Subaru tip-top, despite the relatively puny miles covered each year.

A final move to Guilford in 2012 sees locals Mytchett Garage look after the car with more annual services up to 2017, when Lexus Guilford took over care until 2019. The most recent service (August 2020) was carried out by classic car service and MoT specialists, Bellfields Auto Services, also in Guilford – the car has covered just 126 miles since. From what we could see, all of the invoices and MoT certificates are present to back up the exceptional level of care this car has received.

We include an online HPI report run at the auction start which shows no finance outstanding and no insurance markers for theft or damage.

One of a rare 1000 made – which has now dwindled down to just 234 taxed examples in 2021 – the twenty years that have passed since this P1’s arrival has only served to heighten its standing. Examples of professional, championship-winning constructors building models to sell to the public are sadly incredibly rare. Those with a cachet like Prodrive are near unheard of.

This really is a road racer in the purest sense of the term and will no doubt appeal. There are lesser examples to be had for a little over £20k but really, an example that presents as well as this one, deserves to tip the upper end of our £26,000 – £35,000 estimate.

Viewing is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us in Abingdon. To arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.