For rally enthusiasts and collectors alike, an opportunity has emerged to own a piece of motorsport history - a Prodrive-built Subaru Impreza once tested by rally legend Colin McRae.
Listed on RaceCarsDirect.com, this GC8 Impreza bears the hallmark of Subaru’s iconic Group A rally cars from the 1990s and early 2000s, the era that elevated Subaru’s reputation on world rally stages.
Originally crafted by Prodrive, the UK-based racing engineering firm behind Subaru's World Rally Championship dominance, this particular Impreza served as McRae’s test car from 1993 to 1996.
After its career with Prodrive, it found a new home with a private owner before undergoing a meticulous restoration in 2020.
The restoration included a complete engine rebuild by Autosportif Engineering, ensuring the car’s performance and authenticity align with its historical stature.
Despite its age, the Impreza has seen limited action post-restoration, making a single competitive appearance at the 2022 RallyLegend event in San Marino, California. This adds a unique layer to its appeal, as many historic rally cars in comparable condition are seldom race-ready.
Currently configured for tarmac rallies, the Impreza is set up with updated safety features, including modern seat belts, fire extinguishers and a compliant fuel tank. Notably, it also includes its original Prodrive carbon bucket seats, preserving an essential piece of its heritage.
For those who favour gravel rallies, the car comes with all the necessary Prodrive components to convert it to a gravel setup, showcasing its versatility and adherence to period-correct specifications.
Owning a Prodrive-built Impreza in such race-ready condition comes with a substantial price tag. The car is available for £390,000, or roughly NZ$850,000 - a reflection of its exclusivity and condition.
With only a limited number of Prodrive Subaru Imprezas in existence, collectors and rally fans know this is an investment in a genuine rally icon.
