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Rare Subaru Impreza P1 in pristine condition set for bargain auction sale

Predicted to fetch around £25,000, this is one Japanese cult hero that’s actually sensibly priced for a change

Published: 16 Nov 2023

Classic Car Auctions is placing a Prodrive-built Subaru Impreza P1 on sale in the coming days and expects it to sell for between £20,000 and £25,000. That's nothing short of a steal, given that most of its in-period rivals will cost you the equivalent of a six-bedroom house in the Lake District.

Based on the first-generation WRX STi Type R and limited to just 1,000 units when produced back in 2000, this particular example has only had two owners since leaving the factory. That probably explains why it’s been kept in such good condition, despite its age.

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Finished in the traditional Sonic Blue, the main styling changes separating it from its standard variant include a larger rear spoiler, new mud flaps and a svelte body kit all-round. OZ Racing alloys are also a distinguishing feature to give it a slightly more mature feel to the army of boy racer Imprezas found lingering around Britain.

Inside, the P1 features thicker anti-roll bars and black cloth-trimmed upholstery, along with synthetic suede and blue cloth highlights. A black-leather trimmed gear knob, handbrake lever and steering wheel with red contrast stitching also reside. In essence, it sounds more comfortable than a warm, cosy pub on a snowy Christmas Eve.

These add to the list of factory fittings on the standard Impreza, including a four-spoke Momo steering wheel and a tool kit. Perhaps the best deal sweetener though is the inclusion of the ‘P1 NWF’ number plate.

Under the bonnet, the P1 retains the legendary 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer unit that produces the customary 276bhp expected of Japanese performance cars from this era. That power is sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, with the addition of a short-throw gear lever to provide a more engaging drive. Firmer springs and redesigned shock absorbers sign off the enhancements.

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“We feel this is a very desirable option for anyone looking to add one of these Everyman Classics to their garage. After all, we can’t all afford one at half a million”, says Stacey Williams from Classic Car Auctions. We couldn’t agree more, so we'd gladly take this P1 and that six-bed in exchange...

Images: Classic Car Auctions

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