A rare limited-edition Subaru Impreza has sold for an incredible $312,555 (£223,500) on auction website, Bring a Trailer.
The special 22B STI version of the Impreza was built in 1998 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Subaru.
It was also intended to celebrate Subaru’s World Rally Championship success, with the company having taken three success constructors titles.
Sold in deliberately low numbers, the 22B has become a serious collector’s item for fans of rallying and 1990’s Japanese performance cars.
Rapidly Imprez-ing your friends
While the 22B STI may appear similar to a regular two-door Impreza, major changes were made for the limited edition car.
Styling inspiration was taken from the World Rally Championship (WRC) car, with the bodywork widened and an adjustable rear wing added. A larger hood scoop, new front bumper, and 17-inch BBS alloy wheels were also installed.
All examples of the 22B STI were finished in World Rally Blue paintwork, replicating their motorsport brethren.
The interior makeover for the 22B was less dramatic. A special plaque, indicating which of the 400 examples the car is, contributed the biggest change.
Boxing clever
Beneath the lightweight hood is where Subaru made bigger alterations. A unique 2.2-l version of the famous turbocharged flat-four ‘boxer’ engine was installed for the 22B.
The engine was officially rated as producing 276 hp, with 260 lb-ft of torque. Enthusiasts believe the real power output was in excess of 300 hp.
A five-speed manual transmission, connected to Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, was standard.
Upgraded Bilstein suspension, and a driver-controlled locking differential, were also fitted at the factory.
No smoke and mirrors here
Subaru produced 400 examples of the 22B STI for the Japanese market, with 16 more sold in the United Kingdom. A final eight examples were split amongst the rest of the world, but none were officially imported to the United States.
It means all 22B models, including this one, have to be imported through the NHTSA’s ‘Show or Display’ exemption. For the new owner, this will mean sticking to a limit of 2,500 miles each year.
Bidding on Bring a Trailer for the 22B was fierce, with some 76 bids placed during the auction. Such a huge selling price easily turns the 22B into the most-expensive Impreza sold by the auction site.
The winning bid of $312,555 is a subtle nod to the ‘State Express 555’ tobacco brand, who sponsored Subaru’s WRC efforts in the 1990s.
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