This Practically New Subaru Impreza 22B Could Be Yours, But Only If You're Loaded
If you’re a lover of fast Imprezas, the ultimate version is surely the 22B. Debuting in 1998 to coincide with Subaru’s 40th anniversary and its third consecutive World Rally Championship title, just 400 of these things were built, and they’re proper pieces of kit.
The 22B’s 2.2-litre turbocharged boxer-four belts out 276bhp, a healthy figure in a car weighing just 1270kg. This makes 0-60mph possible in around four seconds - that’s still a fast figure even today.
It looks stunning thanks to a wide-arched body inspired by its WRC equivalent, finished off in 555 Blue. Under the skin it’s enhanced with Bilstein suspension, meatier brakes and an upgraded clutch with a ceramic disc.
It’s only had one owner, and a famous(ish) one at that - boxer Prince Naseem Hamed. That does mean you’re lumbered with some personalised embroidery in the headrests, but if you’re bothered by that you could always stick some post-it notes over them or something…
With so few produced, 22Bs rarely come up for sale, and when they do, they’re not cheap. Particularly this one, as it has just 2500 miles on the clock. As a result, the estimate from Silverstone Auctions is an incredible £60,000 - £70,000. It’ll go under the hammer at Silverstone circuit on 20 May.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
So uhh where do I sign my life away?
DO DON’T SELL IT, THE NEXT OWNER WILL RUIN IT OR EVEN WORSE CRASH IT!
YES THIS IS TRUE
Now slam it on eBay coils, whack on some mud-flaps, install a STUPIDLY loud exhaust and give it to a spotty teenager and it’ll finally be in its natural habitat. ;)
I’m a die hard Evo fan but I will tap this 22B. Definitely Subaru’s best creation…
Sure, I’d love one… But honestly, with my Type R I dare drive it hard, I dare modify it and best of all: I can actually afford it. I think that it’s not far from the perferct Subaru in real life so to say. ;)
My love!! Too bad I’m too young and I’m not in the UK. :(
My neighbor used to have one, we went for a drive in it. That is how my Subie love started!
This song sums up my feelings exactly:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=89YfOn8b76U
Did they call in Xzibit and Pimp My Ride to do the seats. First thing I would do is get that to F*
I can understand what you say, if i owned this 22B i would drive it so much, but we should be happy that there are some carguys that just wanted to keep this beauty still a virgin and let the other people enjoy it, and thats why you allways need the “Car holders”