SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A collectable Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C Limited with only 15,298 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Ring shaped reinforcement frame, lightweight doors, aluminium bonnet, lightweight glass, lightweight roof panel with roof vent, 12L boot mounted intercooler water tank, auto water spray for turbo intercooler, DCCD Driver Controlled Centre Differential, variable intermittent wipers, fuel release, lightweight interior carpet, small washer tank, small fuel tank, electric windows, driver and passenger airbag, digital clock. Dealer Accessories: Tracker, STi front and rear mud flaps, carbon fibre rear wing, STi floor mats, boot liner kit (not fastened).
EXTERIOR
The WRX STi Spec C styling is subtly different but still an instantly recognisable rally legend finished in iconic World Rally Blue Mica, (Code 02C). Keen Impreza fans may spot unique Spec C features such as the roof vent, absence of side sills and front spoilers but only the knowledgeable will appreciate the lightweight factory panels fitted to save a total of 90kg. Fewer still will understand the efforts made to this homologation special improving chassis performance and body rigidity. A stunning gleaming shine is evidenced throughout thanks to a low 15,298 miles and temperature controlled storage. The large bonnet scoop and expensive optional rear carbon boot spoiler offer visually striking features but importantly are designed to improve performance and downforce. The aluminium bonnet and front bumper have a few stone chips. With a total production of just 173 Blue Spec C Limited Editions, (Source: type-ra.com), this prime example is worthy of continued preservation.
INTERIOR
The removal of many luxury features on the rare Spec C models was key to the weight saving measures, the Limited adds a few back such as electric windows with thinner glass and manual air conditioning. The focus of this rally-honed interior is purely on a thrilling drive and a radio, sun visor mirrors, rear wiper or even remote boot release are replaced with a far more exciting Driver Controlled Centre Differential DCCD and auto water spray buttons! The cockpit is finished in immaculate non-slip Black suede effect interior, (Code B20). The bucket seats with the distinctive STi motif have no visible wear along with the leather gear knob and handbrake lever with red stitching and STi branded leather Momo steering wheel, also with red stitching. Pristine Spec C lightweight carpets are protected with STi carpet mats and all unique trim, materials and head lining is unmarked. Factory standard in all respects, all control and gauges function correctly. Lifting the boot lid reveals a sparse trunk area with unfastened side panelling and boot carpet fitted as an accessory as it was not included in Spec C examples. Also in the boot is the large 12L STi water tank to spray the intercooler on long performance runs and also to aid weight distribution rather than a smaller tank being located under the bonnet. The original space saver spare wheel and Subaru tool pouch is present.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The jewel in the crown in this Subaru is the Horizontally-Opposed EJ207 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. With a raft of factory fitted upgrades including a VF36 ball bearing titanium twin scroll turbocharger and semi-closed deck engine, this unit produces a stated 280PS. The reality is more like 300PS but due to Japan’s car industry having a Gentleman’s Agreement or jishu-kisei on power outputs, this was never documented in literature. Opening the lightweight aluminium bonnet reveals the STI branded turbo intercooler in a very clean engine bay with all factory plates, label and stickers intact and Subaru stampings to the inner wings. The short-throw 6-speed gearbox is sweet moving up and down the gears with precision making the most of the free-revving Subaru Boxer engine.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Unique and gorgeous lightweight forged 17×7.5” Gold BBS alloy wheels are in superb order other a few very light markings barely detectable. Shod in recommended GoodYear Eagle F1 225/45 ZR17 soft compound tyres with ample tread. Huge Brembo calipers with advanced 4-sensor/4channel Super Sports Anti-lock braking system shine brightly in orange with perfect red Brembo script leaving no doubt to the immense stopping power enjoyed by an enthusiastic rally star!
HISTORY FILE
Assembled on the 16th May 2003 by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, this Japanese Domestic Market Spec C Limited came to the UK brand new via the UK’s foremost authority on Japanese performance cars, Iain Litchfield of Litchfield Imports/Motors and was first UK registered on the 23 January 2004. According to type-ra.com a total of just 426 Spec C Limited models were produced of which only 173 were WR Blue Mica, making this an extremely rare factory built Impreza and not one to be confused with a regular production car. Just three former keepers from new, the last since 2009 this prime example has been cherished with a box file of paperwork to substantiate and warrant the low 15,298 miles covered. All original handbooks and a fully stamped service book are present including all service invoices and documented cambelt changes. Handbooks and collectable brochures are included in both Japanese and English and two keys with remotes are present. Being masters in World Rally Championship competitions, why not experience the thrill in surely one of the best!?
HPI Clear.