2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI SPEC C LIMITED

This 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C Limited was manufactured in April 2003 and is one of only 1,000 built worldwide, of which only 300 came in red. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine – officially producing 280hp, but in reality closer to 300hp – coupled to a six-speed manual transmission with all-wheel drive. The odometer shows just 9,988km, and the car remains completely original – even down to its factory-fit Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Offered to the Japanese market on release, in the past the only way to drive one of these cars in Australia was to import this model as a race car and use it in events such as Targa Tasmania. This car changes all of that though, with the vendor saying they believe this Spec C Limited to be the only fully complied, road-legal STi Spec C Limited in Australia, as per the latest import rules. It was brought into Australia from Japan in 2020.

The 2003 generation of WRX STi Spec C was manufactured as part of the homologation requirements for entry into the World Rally Championship for Subaru. It featured lightened glass and body panels, quicker steering, and specific suspension with revised control arms.

Other features comprised a front mounted oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, factory radio delete, all boot trim delete, and removal of sound deadening material. In ‘Limited’ guise, some of the creature comforts were added back in, including electric windows, a small air-conditioning system, and a full black interior.

Being an original car there are some very small paint imperfections around the car, including minor chips around the front, and a small paint blemish on the left-side front guard. However, all rubber seals present well, and all four gold alloys are immaculate. It would still be fair to say that the car remains in ‘time warp’ condition.

Inside, its cloth and Alcantara upholstery is in superb order, with no unsightly wear or damage, and only very slight signs of prior use. The carpets and headlining are in great shape, and the original steering wheel and gear knob are present.

The car was last serviced in August 2020 at Top Secret Imports, with fresh engine oil and oil filter, as well as a new air filter and battery. Previous maintenance was all carried out in Japan, and the original books are included in the sale.

This Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C Limited represents a rare opportunity to acquire a completely original and unmolested car, which also has exceptionally low mileage. It will certainly appeal to the most discerning collectors as a car to keep preserved, but ultimately it is also ready to enjoy sparingly on the road.

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. 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.

This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.