Incredibly rare car once owned by 90s icon is the most expensive Subaru Impreza ever sold at auction
A RARE Subaru Impreza has become the most expensive of its kind to ever be sold - and it was once driven by a 90s icon.
The car went under the hammer for a whopping £480,500 - as it was only one of
The snazzy Subaru was also the late Colin McRae’s whip of choice back when he was making history in the World Rally Championship in the 1990s.
Iconic Auctioneers reckon this is "arguably the most desirable 22B ever" as it is as close to a replica of McRae’s iconic rally version as any car maker can get.
The Subaru Impreza model was built to celebrate the grand 40th anniversary of its existence and third consecutive WRC constructors’ title.
McRae was a British Rally Champion driver who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2007.
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The crash happened close to his family home in Scotland and McRae's five-year-old son and two family friends were also killed in the accident.
The Subaru boasts stocky arches and high-rise spoilers, coupled with a EJ22 engine: a 2.2-litre monster built around a separate casting.
Capable of 276bhp the 22B would comfortably achieve more if asked to.
The 22B is derived from the car’s 555 WRC sponsorship.
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The car is partially inspired by tech billionaire Bill Gates - who is famous for designing Microsoft.
reported the “Five hundred and fifty-five is 22B in hexadecimal, the number base used in computer programming.”
Because the rise of Bill Gates was happening simultaneously, the Japanese brand wanted in on the trend of the day.
Only 16 of the 25 production model cars made for the overseas market came to the UK.
At the time, all 424 pre-sold within just 48 hours but at a tamer price of £40,000.
The seam-welded bodyshell, special gearing, twin-plate racing clutch, strengthened drive/prop shafts, driver-adjustable front/rear diff and bigger brakes all play into the pride and joy of the 22B STi.
The 17in gold BBS alloy wheels are also a sight to behold!
This model features a unique plaque to commemorate the occasion.
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Prodrive’s David Lapworth and McRae’s co-driver Nicky Grist own other two prototypes.
