2007 Subaru Impreza RB 320

This RB320 benefits essentially from the Prodrive performance pack (PPP) which, while available as an optional extra for all STIs, the desirable tweaks added up to 316bhp – increased from the stock 277bhp. That, together with an extra 43 lb ft of torque, adjustable differential, revised rear anti-roll bar, plus tuned and lowered suspension allowed the RB320’s chassis to make use of the extra grunt, dropping its 0-60mph time to an eye watering 4.8 seconds.

The vendor used to be part of a band, touring his native Essex and making trips into the capital with a keyboard and amp in the back of this Subaru. The practicality of this four-door super saloon apparently proved ideal when transporting gear and band mates, but at 77, those days are now behind him, and his trusty Subaru is no longer being used. Though it’s travelled very little in recent years, having been kept garaged, there is a current MoT on the car that doesn’t expire until the end of April 2025.

All RB320s were finished in Obsidian Black and featured attractive 18-inch Prodrive alloy wheels – blacked out, of course. The result is a somewhat sombre or menacing exterior – choose which is applicable – that only breaks up the black aesthetic by its chrome front lower grille and orange ‘RB320’ badges to the wings and boot lid. Were it not for that aforementioned grille, we’d almost go so far as to call this understated, well, for an Impreza at least. There are several fine scratches throughout the car, but we’d imagine these could be improved with a day in a detailer’s bay.

Black paint always highlights every imperfection, though the overall impression made by this RB320 is still good. There are also some light stone chips to the front end and a crack to the offside lower edge of the splitter. Nothing that seems too out of the ordinary for a car that’s spent 15 years with its current owner, pounding around the M25. Despite this, he’s managed to keep the miles to a minimum – an online MoT check shows just 20,244 miles at its first test in 2011 with small incremental annual increases since (currently displays 50,193).

Those large wheels – wrapped in 2013 dated Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres – show a few marks from corrosion and kerbs, but certainly nothing overly unsightly, or beyond renovation, also they all still have their ‘RB’ centre caps. The exhaust tip displays the original Prodrive moniker, and all plastics and light lenses still look clear. Panel gaps seem even and neat throughout.

RB320 additions are seen in the tidy cabin of this Impreza with the floor mats and six-speed gear knob emblazoned with orange logos. Just below the latter are the adjustable differential controls, allowing a degree of rearward bias to the car’s power delivery. The seat, carpet and door card fabrics all look great, with very little wear or staining visible anywhere. There is a little of the latter on the driver’s side covering mat, but nothing out of the ordinary, or particularly unsightly. The carpet underneath looks good but could likely be improved even further by a talented valet.

The stereo in this Impreza has been upgraded with a more modern aftermarket Clarion MAX668RVD system. Accessed via a seven-inch touchscreen, with more features than we have room here to list. This upgrade was perhaps inevitable, considering the vendor’s musical leaning, but don’t worry, there are some extensive Clarion manuals in the glovebox, which will no doubt walk you through how to get your ideal setup.

Plastics and leather items, gaiters and buttons all look ship shape with very little wear evident, in keeping with a machine that’s seen comparatively sparing use. The clean, tidy, near-new looking headlining is also to be expected. Kick plates look free of any serious scratches or scuffs, with door openings and bottoms not revealing any nasties. The boot area is just as good as the rest of the cabin, with the metal floor under the space-saver spare looking crisp and as the factory intended.

Having been stored for the past few years, due to lack of use – covering just 2077 miles in the past five years – the car hasn’t seen any specialist attention, according to the history documents, since last year when a new battery was fitted. Despite this, it has been taken out for occasional runs and an MoT every year. The car does, however, come with plenty of invoices showing on-going care from new.

These boxer-engined brutes don’t allow much in the way of inspection access to the engine bay but, from what we saw, all seemed dry and healthy, if a little grimy. There was the expected bit of surface corrosion to the odd clamp and heat shield, but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary. Plastics and soundproofing looked crack- and damage-free, though the latter on the underside of the bonnet looked a little stained.

The usual level of Japanese weatherproofing (next to none) seems to have been supplied underneath, which means a few spots of surface rust are beginning to turn into something that needs more pressing attention. For example, there are sections of the sills – not protected by the side skirts – displaying some separation due to moisture and corrosion.

Elsewhere underneath, plenty of plastic seems to be doing its job of keeping the worst of the elements at bay, though we’d recommend taking these off for a thorough inspection. A day spent with a wire brush and a top-up of the weather proofing, at least, should keep the worst of our winter salt away from the metal for a few more years.

The vendor had this to say of the car’s reliability: “I have never broken down since I’ve owned it, with a local mechanic regularly servicing it, as it’s his kind of car. I had to spend out on a new clutch in 2015, so went to a specialist and spent £900 on getting the best clutch that I could for the car.”

And on our brief test drive, we found the car to be typically engaging and engineered as Subaru products typically are, but we did notice that the power steering had some resistance and "kick-back" when stationary, so the pump and or belts may need some future attention. But it was fun!

This Impreza carries a decent amount of history with the V5C showing just two keepers, the vendor having purchased the car in 2009. The history folder shows loads of old MoT certificates and the correct RB320 service and warranty booklet. The latter showing annual dealer servicing to 2011 (Chelmsford Subaru) and then independent (Steve Bates, Didcot) thereafter.

The was a gap between 2018 and 2024 when the last stamp shows a service (engine oil & filter) at 50,187 miles, however there are invoices that reveal that the annual care continued during this period. The battery, as mentioned earlier, was swapped in 2023 and a wheel bearing was replaced in 2020. The cambelt and water pump seem to have last been replaced in 2015 (at 38,859 miles) at a cost of £401.74, with the brake fluid previously refreshed in 2011 (at 27,810 miles).

This highly original Impreza special edition has a huge amount of appeal for rally enthusiast. The RB320 is a fitting tribute to the lesser known, but no less worthy English champion Richard Burns, but even without that important link, this remains a monumentally fast Subaru with an imposing character that’s bound to turn a few heads.

The vendor had this to add regarding why he’s parting with his clearly cherished RB320: “I had moved to the Oxfordshire area when I retired some 13 years ago. Over the last few years, I've regularly taken a trip in the car to Luton to see a vinyl fanatic. It got to the stage where the miles dried up and it was sitting in a garage for much too long. 

“I’m 77 now and recently I decided to put it up for auction and let someone else enjoy the car. It's a joy to drive and the reliability has always been at the back of my mind. The RB320 has served me well and I will certainly miss it when it's gone.”

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £18,000 - £23,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. 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’.