Registration - P193 AHO

Chassis No. - GC8-051177

M.O.T. - May 2025

Odometer - 141,000

This special 1996 Subaru WRX STI is a machine for true high-performance Japanese car aficionados. A special car for the Japanese market, with more than 270hp from the flat-four turbo engine, it was imported and registered in the UK in 2005. It has been owned by an enthusiast for the past four years. In that time, the engine has been overhauled by Subaru specialist Brian Coward, with the head gaskets being replaced by Fuji Racing components two years ago – there’s an invoice for £2,300 that confirms this. The timing belt and water pump were also replaced in 2021, costing £1,370. The vendor says it has been religiously serviced every two months with new oil and filter – the last service was done with the MOT, which is valid until the end of May 2025. The car also comes with three keys.

‘P193AHO’ has an odometer reading 140,000 kilometres, which is around 87,000 miles. The crisp bright white paintwork is complemented by HKS branding within the front air intake, and the car breathes more freely thanks to an offset number plate. The gold-finish 17-inch alloys are fitted with premium tyres, and they have recently been refurbished, at a cost of £400. The rear windows have also been re-tinted, costing £200. Inside, this special WRX STI has the original bucket seats, a Momo Race steering wheel and auxiliary turbo boost dial. It also has air conditioning. The vendor describes the bodywork, paintwork and interior as ‘good’, while the engine, transmission and electrics are in ‘excellent’ condition.

The Subaru Impreza WRX was made famous by Colin McRae’s WRC exploits behind the wheel of a Prodrive-prepared rally car. The exuberant Scot helped put the car on the map – and the fact it delivered exceptional performance, engaging handling and superb reliability for a strikingly affordable price meant a waiting list soon built. Even today, it will feel fast and thrilling, aided by grippy all-wheel drive. The STI was a high-performance WRX, for rally homologation, that was originally only offered in the Japanese home market. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International. Compared to the WRX, they had blueprinted engines, transmission and suspension, along with more power. Today, they are the connoisseur’s choice.

• Collectable Subaru Impreza WRX STI
• Owned by a Japanese performance car enthusiast
• Plenty of history shows diligent servicing and maintenance