Rare gem: Subaru Impreza GC8 WRX STI TYPE R Version 6 Limited for auction

Subaru is a brand loved by performance enthusiasts all over the globe and, while the Gunma firm achieved some impressive feats with its earlier Legacy, it’s the original GC8 generation of WRX that most enthusiasts will regard as the ultimate.

You already know the story: winning mechanicals from the Legacy RS wrapped in a new, smaller and agile body and, three consecutive World Rally Constructor titles later, the results spoke for themselves.

There were myriad special editions too, which has only fuelled reverence following the rise of JDM collector culture. Which brings us to this GC8 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version 6 Limited that we spotted for auction locally.

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Eagle-eyed MOTOR readers may recognise this very car from our collector’s edition issue celebrating 30 years of Subaru Technica International. The car also later reappeared in our sister-title Unique Cars’ Modern Classics special issue.

Outside of the iconic 22B, this souped-up Subie represents the zenith of collectible STI-fettled GC8s.

Subaru initially intended to produce 1000 examples, as per the interior build plaque, for the Japanese market only. It’s widely understood by Subaru experts, however, that just 578 units were ultimately produced.

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Setting it aside from a standard STI coupe is the redesigned and stronger ‘Phase II’ EJ20 introduced with the MY99 STIs, variable ‘DCCD’ centre differential, bigger turbo, intercooler spray, shortened gearing, quicker steering ratio, WRC-style roof vent, no sound deadening, blue interior trim and many other bespoke touches.

That was a lot of go-fast gear for a car that tipped the scales at a lithe 1260kg. Combine that with the claimed 206kW, as per the era’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’, which Japanese manufacturers were notoriously playing fast and loose with, and you’ve got a serious all-weather performance missile on your hands.

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The rare Rex has covered a sympathetic 77,152kms in its life and is supported by decent documentation and service history from new. There are no known mechanical or electrical faults to report.

Recent works include a minor service and annual roadworthy inspection (which it passed) in August 2021. Prior to that, a major service with new timing belt, pulleys, clutch and fluids was performed in May 2016. In March of 2016, the STI coupe’s transmission and central differential were rebuilt by Victorian Subie specialists All Drive Subaroo.

To the best of the seller’s knowledge, the car still wears its original paint with a single stone chip on the bonnet reportedly representing the only imperfection. With its original numbers-correct engine and gearbox in place, the Version 6 Limited coupe presents in highly original surviving condition.

Non-original upgrades include a modern alarm and GPS tracking system, cruise control system, turbo timer, aftermarket forged alloy Volk CE28n wheels and exterior vents. The seller states that the original alloy wheels and vents are still in possession and can be fitted upon sale.

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The car presents very well in photos, with no discernible wear and tear to high frequency interior touchpoints such as the steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake. The original blue cloth seats, and black Alcantara rear seats, also present very well for their age with minimal fading and creasing.

The high bid currently stands at $85,555, at the time of writing, with a little under two days to go.

In September 2020, a Grade 4.5 Impreza STI Version 6 Type R (non-Limited) with just 8785kms on the clock sold through Japanese auctions to the tune of AU$136,000 – believed to be a world record for that particular variant. This lot may prove an interesting litmus test on the strength of the local collectible Rex market.

Whether you’re an interested bidder, or just a window shopping, you can view the current auction lot in full at collectingcars.com

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