1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Description

Subaru’s involvement in rallying began in 1980, but it was the founding of STi in 1988 that made them competitive. Simply standing for Subaru Tecnica International, STi would be in charge of everything racing. Slowly making a name for themselves, the public began to yearn for a production variant of the race cars they saw racing across the desert, snow, and forest rally stages across the world. This demand was partly satisfied in 1992 with the Impreza WRX (World Rally eXperimental), and later in 1994, the WRX STi was introduced as the most developed version of the WRX production car. A regular production WRX was removed from the production line for modifications to increase engine performance and stiffen the chassis, satisfying even the most discerning of customers. The factory racing team would go on to win the World Rally Constructor's Championship for three consecutive years between 1995 and 1997, cementing Subaru’s legacy into the minds of enthusiasts for years to come. Inspired by their World Rally Championships, the devoted following of Subaru fans across the globe ensure the earliest form of WRX STi is still a car lusted after today. 

RADwood Ready

RADwood is a festival that focuses on the culture and vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s. RADwood, and the “RADwood Era” are now commonly used to reference this period of bodacious automotive history.

Hagerty took stewardship of RADwood in March of 2022 to build on the company’s purpose to save driving and car culture while expanding and supporting inspiring experiences for automotive enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Right-hand drive Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model

• The timing belt was replaced at 168,000 km on 25 January 2021

• The JDM ‘EJ20’ 2.0-liter boxer engine produces 296 hp 

• Advanced AWD drivetrain system featuring a viscous coupling center differential and a viscous rear limited-slip differential

• Finished in Light Silver Metallic (paint code 406) with a carbon fiber wrap on the hood, roof, and trunk 

• Optimized weight distribution employing five-speed manual transaxle

• Many factory improvements over a standard WRX, including upgraded brakes, stiffer springs, a front strut-tower brace, large rear spoiler, and stiffer shocks 

• Factory wheels finished in gold with new Bridgestone Potenza tires

• New spark plugs and wires, along with a fresh oil change, were done in preparation for the sale

• Numerous hoses have been upgraded with blue Samaco and Billion silicone variants 

Features

• Roll cage

• Power windows

• Air conditioning

• Power locks

• Intercooler

• ABS

• Turbo timer

• Vented hood with functional air scoop

• Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Carbon fiber look interior trim

• Kenwood JDM radio

• Aluminum pedals

• Cloth STi branded bucket seats 

Known Flaws

• Crease on the right rear fender, near the tail light

Included

• Import documentation

Ownership History

Imported from Japan by Prosport Motorsports in 2022 and retained by the seller.