Key Takeaways:
– A rare Prodrive-built Subaru Impreza, previously used by Colin McRae, is up for sale.
– Impreza is popular for its role in establishing Subaru as a prominent brand in Europe.
– The car is in race-ready state and meets safety standards.
– The vehicle was fully restored in 2020, retaining its original charm.
– The Impreza carries a heavy price tag due to its exclusivity and readiness for the racing track.
Rare Racing Legacy Up for Grabs
The world of automobile racing is in for a delightful surprise! A sought-after heirloom of Subaru’s Group A rally cars is now available for purchase. This Impreza, built by Prodrive, shares its legendary lineage with icons like Colin McRae and Richard Burns. These prodigies piloted this era of vehicles, helping Subaru make a commanding mark in Europe.
A Closer Look at the Prodrive-built Impreza
This Impreza carries the GC8 body and was employed as McRae’s test vehicle from 1993 to 1996. Subsequent to this period, it switched hands to a private owner. Riding the wave of nostalgia, this venerable chariot was gifted a full restoration in 2020. The engine, in particular, received careful attention during this restoration and was comprehensively rebuilt by English firm Autosportif Engineering.
Although dormant for the most part, the Impreza did enjoy a brief brush with competitive racing at the 2022 RallyLegend weekend held in San Marino. The footage from this event offers an exhilarating glimpse of this vehicle pitted against an impressive lineup of legendary Subaru rally cars.
This Vintage Comes Race-ready
The Impreza is all set to roar on the racetracks again, adds the seller. Modern safety features like seatbelts and fire extinguishers are updated and in line with prevailing norms. The fuel tank is deemed to be in good shape as well. Although the car seats are new, the original Prodrive carbon buckets are included for fans of authenticity. Importantly, the car is presently prepared for tarmac rallies but can easily switch to gravel spec, courtesy of the original Prodrive gear it still retains.
A Steep Price for a Slice of History
Imprezas, particularly those that are race-ready, reflect a rarity that creates a steep price point. The car currently resides in Italy and carries a price tag of £390,000; approximately $500,000. The courage to rally a car of such prestige and value certainly earns respect from automobile enthusiasts worldwide.
The opportunity to own this piece of automobile history doesn’t come around very often. It represents not just a legendary era of racing but also a tribute to iconic racers who put Subaru on the global map. So, if the prestige of owning this legendary vehicle tickles your fancy and the price doesn’t put you off, this could be a chance of a lifetime. This race-ready Impreza, with its rich history and Prodrive pedigree, could be the crowning jewel for any automobile aficionado’s garage.