1999 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA STi Version 5 Limited

This great looking example is indeed one of those 998 examples of the Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA STi Version 5 Limited and hails from 1999 having originally been supplied to the Japanese domestic market. It appears that this Impreza was imported to the UK in 2004, having first been registered in the UK in April of that year.

The current owner acquired the Impreza in 2018 to become the sixth UK keeper since import. He has commissioned a thoughtful schedule of works during his tenure. These include a full restoration and futureproofing of the Impreza’s underside and a replacement timing belt for ultimate mechanical reassurance.

This rare and limited edition Impreza is now being offered to market and will represent an exciting and enticing ownership prospect to those who understand the complexities of the Impreza pecking order. Our comprehensive photographic package demonstrates the numerous outstanding qualities of this sought after WRX Type RA STi Version 5 Limited.

For many, this Impreza represents the visual architype for the model. Maybe it’s the bright Sonic Blue livery, the gold Speedline style wheels or that huge boot lid spoiler that does it. What ever it is, few can deny that this is a great looking example by any comparison. For many these first generation Impreza's are the purest and most desirable of this model’s long and complex lineage.

Seemingly resprayed at some point in its recent history, the condition looks excellent overall.

Shut lines are tight and symmetrical and the bright blue finish looks smoothly applied and lustrous throughout. The front of the Impreza features the deep spoiler with central cooling aperture. The familiar pair of side plate sized driving lights also dwell here and are in great order.

Up on the alloy bonnet two pairs of meshed cooling ducts vie with a big central scoop for attention.

Moving up to the roof a highly desirable rally-style opening vent is noted. These were fitted to provide sealable additional ventilation for fire suited rally drivers and co-drivers. The Subaru-fora are awash with people wanting a genuine roof vent on their Impreza – a highly desirable feature.

At the rear that big spoiler dominates, and Type RA decals are also noted. A big, single chrome tipped tail pipe hints at the latent performance potential of this Impreza. Behind the front wheel arches a pair of STi – Subaru Technica International – oval lozenge style badges are present.

Perhaps the most obvious feature, thanks to their anodised gold finish, are the 16-inch, five spoke Speedline style alloy wheels. These are in good order with just a little kerb related scuffing to the rim extremities. The Subaru embossed callipers can be seen between the spokes and a matching set of Riken 265/55 tyres are fitted.

The Impreza’s cabin is a surprisingly practical and durable environment for such an admired and esteemed performance car. A couple of differentiating features mark out this limited edition from its more ubiquitous brethren.

The first is high backed and deeply bolstered front rally seats are finished with “jersey” extremities with matching Alcantara centres. The supportive backrests feature STi World Rally Team woven decals. The rear bench is simply trimmed in black fabric and provides usefully spacious accommodation. The condition of all upholstery appears very good considering its age.

The second differentiator is noted in the centre console where a blue plaque declares this as a “Limited STi 0033/1000.”

The straightforward gauge set is familiar Impreza fare, consisting of grey on white faces combined with numerous warning lights housed under a hooded binnacle. The tachometer, redlined at 8,000 rpm, bears STi branding. These sit behind a sublime, four spoke Momo steering wheel finished in a combination of perforated and smooth black leather. The centre console houses a contemporary Pioneer head unit.

The cabin of this Impreza exhibits a fine level of desirable originality. 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. This model features the EJ207DW1PR unit which has an 8.0:1 compression ratio and is differentiated by a red intake manifold. This version VII unit features an active valve control system, and the tumble valve generator (TGV) is deleted from the factory. This esteemed unit was originally rated at a conservative 280 bhp in line with the JDM’s “gentleman’s agreement” and engine revs are limited to a mighty 8,000 rpm.

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 sub six second 0-60mph time and a 140mph plus top speed.

Under the louvred bonnet the recurring theme of impressive originality continues. The inner panels are straight, true and clean and the expected Fuji Heavy Industries data plate is present as expected. The original two part suspension mount brace is present and correct.

Thanks to the recent underside renovation, the condition looks excellent with ample underseal and body coloured paint applied. The suspension components also look well sorted and free from any surface corrosion.

This Impreza is reported to come with a decent file of informative paperwork, much of which is photographed for your review. The current, advisory free MoT is present and shows validity until June 2025. A couple of original manuals are present with the remainder of the archive consisting of numerous invoices for work undertaken and parts procured.

Our car check report provides a wealth of useful, supplemental information about this remarkable example of the exalted model.

The Subaru Impreza’s undeniable 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 JDM hero car of epic proportions. Whilst not yet a rare car overall, it is a different story for the plethora of special editions with predominantly stock and unmolested examples increasingly scarce and desirable.

This example ticks both those important boxes. This example hails from a limited run of 1,000 examples originally with, inevitably, a proportion of those no longer in circulation. Also, the originality on display here is highly impressive for a Subaru Impreza of any type. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of an increasingly rare, rally bred icon.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays 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’.