Fast Facts:

·      One of only 424 examples of the 22B ever produced, specifically JDM example number 107.

·      Distinguished from a standard WRX STI by its enlarged 2.2-litre boxer engine, unique Sonic Blue paintwork, and widebody design borrowed from Subaru’s WRC car.

·      Presented in excellent condition after 14 years in Australia with the same owner.

The Details:

The 1990s was the most successful period Japanese manufacturers enjoyed on the World Rally Championship stage, and for Subaru it was 1995-97 specifically that shone brightest.

With the legendary Colin McRae clinching the Drivers’ Championship in ’95, Subaru itself claimed the Constructors’ titles for three straight years in ’95-97. To honour this and the brand’s upcoming 40^th anniversary, it needed to pull out all the stops and make something special.

Enter the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B, now one of the most highly coveted Japanese cars of the era. Just 424 examples were produced – 400 for the Japanese market, 16 for the UK, 5 for Australia, and 3 ‘prototype’ cars. The car offered here is number ‘107’ from the original JDM production run.

Compared to the standard WRX STI, the changes were somehow subtle yet absolutely immense. Finished in a unique pearlescent shade of Sonic Blue rather than the usual bold World Rally Blue, it wore the bodywork from Subaru’s WRC car of the time designed by Peter Stevens, the same man responsible for the McLaren F1.

Now sitting 80mm wider than a standard model, and riding on a set of larger 17-inch BBS wheels, Subaru turned its attention to the drivetrain. The standard 2.0-litre closed deck WRX STI engine was bored out, resulting in a 2.2-litre turbocharged flat-four that produced 206kW (276hp) and 363Nm.

To handle its extra oomph, it was fitted with a five-speed manual close-ratio gearbox and an advanced version of the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that featured a Driver Controlled Centre Differential.

Using a dial on the centre console, the lock-up of the centre diff could be adjusted to bias how much power was divided between the front and rear wheels, allowing everything from a 35:65 front-rear split as standard to an even 50:50. The 22B’s traction was only enhanced by the use of helical front and mechanical rear limited slip differentials.

Keeping it flat through the corners was a bespoke Bilstein suspension setup, and although there was no ABS, it featured strong four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes. Add all those ingredients together and you get a raw, visceral driving experience that will have you feeling like you could be on the challenging forest rally stages of Finland or Wales.

This example presents in very good condition, with only 47,485km on the clock. Since it was imported to Australia 14 years ago, it has spent that entire time with the same owner. It’s provided with its original books and a folder of information relating to the car.

The only minor modifications include a period correct Kenwood head unit and Carrozzeria audio system (the 22B had no radio as standard), along with a turbo-back exhaust that gives this car the classic Subaru note without being overwhelmingly loud.

It’s not often that a genuine 22B comes up for sale with such low production figures, so this is a sale not to be missed.

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