2000 SUBARU IMPREZA P1 LIMITED EDITION

This 2000 Subaru Impreza P1 Limited Edition is a highly collectable modern classic that was treated to a comprehensive restoration and rebuild three years ago, and which now features a range of subtle upgrades. It is powered by a 276bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, with all-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 93,774 miles, though its cosmetic and mechanical condition reflects that of a car with a fraction of the mileage.

The P1 was a direct response by Subaru to the increasing number of high-powered variants of the Impreza being imported on the grey market. Examples of the two-door 22B and Type R in particular were proving popular. Subaru therefore commissioned Prodrive, which ran its WRC campaigns, to produce 1,000 examples of a bespoke edition that would be type-approved for Europe. This car is number 295 of that production run.

All of the P1s were painted in Sonic Blue. Using the WRX STi Type R as a base, Prodrive engineers installed the anti-roll bars from the European-specification Impreza Turbo, along with firmer springs and shock absorbers, to deliver a suspension setup better suited to continental roads. The cars also featured ABS, as well as the Peter Stevens-designed anthracite OZ Racing wheels, front spoiler and rear wing. Set in the context of its time, the P1’s performance was remarkable, sprinting from 0 to 60mph in less than five seconds.

An original UK right-hand drive example, this Impreza P1 was first registered in August 2000. The previous owner enjoyed the car for five years, and was responsible for commissioning the restoration work in 2016-17, which included a full rotisserie-style strip and rebuild of the Impreza, using new or fully refurbished components, with much of the steering and suspension stripped and powder coated.

The vendor purchased this P1 in a Collecting Cars auction in March 2020, and subsequently had it shipped to his home market of the Netherlands with the intention of importing it. However, as the personal import route in the Netherlands is currently slow and complex due to COVID-19, and with a view to trimming back his collection of cars, he is now offering it for sale. While the car has now returned to the UK, this Subaru is recorded with the DVLA as being exported. However, there should be no duty or VAT payable to re-register it given that it is an EU taxes-paid vehicle.

Its bodywork presents in superb order, and the Sonic Blue paint has a smooth and even appearance all around the car. There are minor flaws on the bottom plastic sill covers behind the front wheels, where a previous owner had glued the front mudflaps to the sill covers. The OZ Racing alloy wheels have been refurbished and are pristine.

The upholstery is a combination of textured cloth and suede-style centre panels, and is original to the car. It remains in excellent condition, with the Prodrive logos stitched into the seat backs, and accented by red and blue stitching. During the restoration, the original Momo steering wheel was sent to leading specialist Royal Steering Wheels to be retrimmed with Alcantara.

The current owner has made further changes, installing a quick-release hub to enable a better driving position, which is compatible with both the Momo item and a smaller Sparco steering wheel that is also included in the sale. Ahead of the driver, the instrument binnacle is in great shape, with clear white dials and no errors in the LCD display. It is equipped with air-conditioning, and the vendor has upgraded the stereo head unit to a newer Kenwood infotainment system, as well as fitting all new speakers.

Beyond the cosmetic restoration, the mechanicals of this car have also been refurbished. Even just lifting the bonnet gives a great impression as the engine bay presents in superb condition. In 2016, the 2.0-litre unit was taken out of the car and was fully rebuilt using a new Subaru EJ07 engine block and forged pistons. An upgraded Link G4+ WRXLink STi V5-6 ECU management system was also installed, along with a Toucan multi-function ‘virtual gauges’ display screen to manage it.

The turbocharger was replaced with a new IHI VF34 unit, and a larger Subaru Newage STi v8 Intercooler was installed. An uprated Walbro 255LPH fuel pump was fitted, and the oil pump was upgraded to a genuine Subaru 12mm high-flow item. Since acquiring the car in March 2020, the vendor has taken the specification further, with the addition of adjustable Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension, a bump steer kit, and with corner weighting to tune the car to have a sharper turn-in.

At the front, new LTEC brake discs and Pagid Endurance pads have been installed, while at the rear one of the wheel bearings was replaced, and the differential was refurbished. A new exhaust was fabricated and fitted, which reverted the car closer to its original stock specification. However, the louder back box is also included in the sale.

The last MOT test was on 20 December 2019 at 91,263 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. During the vendor’s brief ownership, it has been fitted with four brand-new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s handbook, maintenance booklet, and a raft of servicing records and receipts. An original P1 sales brochure is also included, along with two keys and remote fobs.

This Subaru Impreza P1 is a remarkable example of the breed, boasting a recent and extensive restoration and rebuild, and now with some discerning upgrades to the original Prodrive specification. It always draws a crowd among those passionate about Imprezas, and of course remains great fun to drive down a fast B-road. An iconic performance car presented in cosmetic and mechanical condition that is hard to beat, this P1 is a superb modern classic.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: while this car is showing as exported with the DVLA, it has since returned to the UK from the Netherlands, and there should be no duty of VAT payable to re-register it since it is already an EU taxes-paid vehicle.