2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi WR1

Petter Solberg and Phil Mills won the 2003 World Rally Championship behind the wheel of an Impreza Turbo and Subaru Technica International, never one to miss the chance to create and even faster limited-edition, ordered 1,000 in Ice Blue Metallic – and because the UK was one of its best-selling markets, we got half of ‘em.

But the WR1 was far from being a cynical marketing exercise because Prodrive fettled every single one of them: The result was the fastest Impreza Turbo to date, streaking to 60mph in just over four seconds thanks to its tweaked two-litre flat-four engine that now produced 320bhp thanks to a revised ECU and a free-flowing exhaust system.

The all-wheel-drive chassis is fed via a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the snappily-titled Driver Controlled Centre Differential, a feature more commonly referred to as the DCCD because life’s too short to use ten syllables when four will do.

It also gained gunmetal-grey PFF7 Prodrive ‘flowforming’ alloy wheels, behind which lurked gold Brembo brake calipers. Originally fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Nero tyres, a ‘WANTED’ poster would list its other distinguishing features as a WRC-lookalike front spoiler, a stainless-steel mesh grille, and a black-cloth-and-Alcantara interior with an aluminium WR1 gearknob and matching floor mats.

The seller bought this example in December 2023 to add to his classic car collection. He smiled as he told us he wasn’t really looking for one but it was local and he couldn’t resist popping over to have a look.

Followed by a test drive, after which he was smitten, both by its performance and its history: The last of the two-litre flat-four turbocharged engines, ‘RO04 FJN’ is number 153 in the run and benefits from one of the most complete maintenance histories we’ve seen in a while with no fewer than 18 services in its 22-year life, including a new cambelt and waterpump 500 miles ago followed by a service in February of this year.

Still showing just 95,782 on the odometer, the seller has just uncovered a low-mileage Saab 900 Turbo that he covets, so needs to free up some space.

After years of what at sometimes verged on bullying, the Blobeye Impreza has started its inevitable rise into the ranks of the modern classic; the original might have a delicacy the later cars lack, but the second-gen cars are starting to find a fan base all their own.

And this example shows why; with its subtle Ice Blue Metallic coachwork (paint code 23G) and purposeful-yet-attractive aerodynamic aids, the Impreza looks fast even when its stationary.

Its brutal frontage boasts no fewer than five air intakes, leaving no-one in any doubt as to the power that’s on tap, while the huge bonnet scoop adds a distinct Mad Max vibe.

The front valence is deep enough to help prevent lift at speed yet shallow enough to be able to navigate car-parks and sleeping policemen without wincing. Certainly, the black plastic undertray on this one has only the lightest of scratches to its surface.

It is inevitable that anything with a face this blunt will collect a few stonechips over the years, and this one is no exception. But the flanks are free of ripples, the edges of the doors are free of chips, and the four corners are free of scuffs and scrapes.

Even the door mirrors are in good shape, although the driver’s side has overspray on it.

The vulnerability of the Prodrive/Speedline ‘flowforming’ alloy wheels is exponentially increased due to their low-profile tyres – and yet, they too are in a very good condition with no scuffs, scrapes, or other signs of careless driving.

Their open design also allows you to admire the gold Brembo brake calipers and the huge vented discs that lie behind.

The tyres are 225/40R18 Toyo Proxes, with the front tyres being Sport 2s from 2023. The rear tyres date back to 2017 though, and the last MoT made them the subject of advisories, so you’ll need to budget for replacements.

‘WR1’ decals on the front wings and boot lid show passersby they’re in the presence of greatness, while the huge rear spoiler does double-duty as an aerodynamic aid and a statement of intent should any following cars think they’re hard enough.

*spoiler alert* They almost certainly won’t be.

The rest – lamp lenses, badges, glazing, etc. – are all unremarkable in so far as they’re clean and free of noticeable wear ‘n’ tear, much less any actual damage.

However, there are a few light scratches and marks here and there, most noticeably on the bonnet, both nearside doors, and the driver’s door aperture. However, none are even close to being deal-breakers and a professional machine polish should make a huge difference.

The steering wheel is fat-rimmed and trimmed with both leather and suede. It’s also got a red band at the top to help you keep track of where it’s pointing as you’re hurling it sideways through a forest in the snow.

And the rest of the cabin, finished in blue and black and given the trim code B20, is equally focussed.

The front seats, for example, are heavily bolstered to hold you firmly in place no matter what G-forces the car creates – and a well-fettled Impreza Turbo like this one can create significant cornering forces.

Their high-backed design allows the use of harnesses should you want even more security, while the manual controls save weight and also mean you’ll be able to adjust your seats long after the rest of us are trying to 3D-print replacement switches.

A beautifully made gearknob and grippy alloy pedals allow you to manipulate the six-speed gearbox and turbocharged flat-four engine in the most tactile way possible, while switches for the DCCD and Intercooler Water Spray make you feel like a rallying God.

Comprehensive instrumentation allows you to monitor your car’s vital functions, including three Defi instruments on top of the dashboard. These can be configured using the Defi-Link Control Unit II that sits beside the passenger seat, and the instruction booklet is in the history file. (Further details can be found online here: https://www.defi-shop.com/products/unit2/)

The badge in the centre console confirms its status as a limited-edition model, and because Subaru is a civilised company, even its rally-focused specials have a cupholder, air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, and plenty of room in the back for your children.

A Bluetooth-enabled double-din Pioneer headunit has also been fitted.

Subarus are also known for their longevity, a reputation this Impreza Turbo upholds; if we were to tell you it was five years old, we think you’d believe us because there is a marked absence of visible wear and, of course, everything still works.

In fact, the only issue we spotted is a stained boot carpet and a little surface rust in the spare wheel well but then given the luggage area is both capacious and home to a space-saver spare wheel – that’s hidden beneath a lightweight ply false floor too, no less – we think you’ll be able to forgive it.

Heck, it’s even still got the sticker from the 30th of April 2004 that was put there when a certain N. Stone fitted the Prodrive fuel pump.

But then it has been very well maintained over the years, and the service history booklet and invoices on file record the following work:

· 04.02.2026 and 95,743 miles – interim service plus a new exhaust downpipe and repairs to the front subframe and wiring by Monmouth MoT Centre Ltd

· 28.11.2023 and 95,250 miles – new cambelt and waterpump plus a full service including fresh oil in the gearbox and differentials, new coolant, all new filters and auxiliary belts, and a new battery by C&K Motors

· 15.12.2020 and circa 93,000 miles – service including rear discs and pads, fresh oil in the rear differential, a change of brake fluid, new sparkplugs and a track rod end, bushes, brake pipe, and more by S&S Autos of Bradford

· 04.07.2018 and 86,972 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 01.04.2017 and 82,312 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 18.03.2016 and 78,976 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 01.02.2014 and 71,212 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 14.12.2012 and 55,576 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 21.09.2010 and 55,789 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 13.12.2008 and 44,376 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 14.07.2007 and 35,599 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 15.11.2006 and 29,832 miles – service by Quenby Bros Ltd

· 13.12.2005 and 24,183 miles – service by Hunt & Keal Ltd

· 09.09.2005 and 19,051 miles – service by Broads Motor Group

· 09.06.2005 and 14,024 miles – service by Hunt & Keal Ltd

· 07.04.2005 and 10,532 miles – service by Hunt & Keal Ltd

· 08.12.2004 and 4,785 miles – service by Hunt & Keal Ltd

· 13.07.2004 and 971 miles – service by Bell & Colvill

The rear dampers were also replaced in April 2022, the front dampers and ignition coil were changed in 2021, and new front links were fitted in 2020, and there are plenty of older invoices on file.

The video shows the Impreza starts well and settles into the off-beat-yet-rock-steady idle we’ve all come to know and love. It also revs with the Impreza’s customary enthusiasm and does it all to a suitably profundo soundtrack courtesy of the big-bore, free-flowing Prodrive exhaust.

It also shows good oil pressure on the Defi gauge in the cockpit and a health check by Monmouth MoT Centre dated December 2025 is on file, which is recent enough to help you assess the car’s condition.

Cosmetically, the engine bay is workmanlike rather than pretty, but that’s okay because this is a car you won’t be afraid to drive long and hard in all weathers.

A professional valet would lift it nicely without ruining the car’s usability though, and if you wanted to show the car, detailing it even further would be fun and straightforward.

However, the underbonnet soundproofing has seen better days, so you might like to schedule replacing it into your medium-term plans.

As should undersealing the floorpans; we didn’t spot any serious rust under there but there is a little starting to break out around the edges and we can’t help but think it would be prudent to spend some time wire brushing it clean to assess what needs doing to protect it for another couple of decades.

While you are under there, the last MoT identified a minor exhaust leak. This was rectified by the fitting of a new exhaust downpipe referred to in the Monmouth MOT invoice of February this year.

The Subaru’s MoT is valid until December 2026, the recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two keys.

The history file is replete with the stamped service history booklet that records its number in the run, lots of old invoices, a few expired MoT certificates, a certificate for the Tracker, a magazine article, and the instruction booklet for the Defi-Link Control Unit.

Whereas modern cars adopt a nanny-knows-best attitude when you want to venture past seven-tenths, the Impreza Turbo’s driver aids actively work with you.

It’s also so accomplished that you are almost certainly going to be the weakest partner in the relationship, leaving you free to spend your money on track days, advanced driver tuition, and long road-trips to hone your skills.

Speaking of money, after years in the doldrums the second-gen cars are starting to find their audience, which means it can’t be long before they begin their inexorable rise into the upper echelons of the classic car world. (Not least because the so-called ‘Hawkeye’ cars of 2006-07 were fitted with an entirely new, and some say inferior, 2.5-litre engine.)

And, as always, it’s cars like this that will lead the charge: Exclusive in number, fiercely potent, and impeccably maintained, our estimate is that this WR1 will fetch somewhere between £15,000 and £18,000 – and while nothing is guaranteed, the smart money says that’s more likely to be a deposit in the Bank of Impreza than a sum you’ll never see again.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.