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
holy mother of god, where do I can sell my kidneys? I need money for this car. Like now.
so where can i get a loan for the car? serious question
276 hp and 0 to 60 in around 4 seconds????? Ahh then i remembered the ‘gentlemens agreement’
Don’t forget that the car weighs nothing, there was no Gentleman’s agreement on weight caps. TT Supra when new was supposed to by 280HP and 1500kg and did 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, shed 230kg of weight and that figure makes sense.
‘As a result, the estimate from Silverstone Auctions is an incredible £60,000 - £70,000.’
Me: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The world needs more cars like this, where manufacturers pushed HP and handling to the limit just cause they could. And a button to spritz the turbo(s) with water, that’s f*&%ing cool.
I don’t know about you guys but I’d throw on some rally tires and wheels and fling that thing around some rally stage in Finland if I got it. Cars are meant to be driven! Especially this one!