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The distinct sound of anti-lag resonates through Sweden’s wooded upper peninsula, heralding the arrival of an iconic vehicle. A blur of blue, gold, and flame races past the trees surrounding you. As the unmistakable growl of a turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder fades into the distance, only the occasional backfire disrupts the tranquility. Congratulations, you’ve come across the legendary Subaru Impreza 22B STi, and trust us, you’ll want to secure this 1998 model in your garage before someone else does.
Designed to celebrate Subaru’s third consecutive manufacturer title in the FIA World Rally Championship—a milestone achieved by the late Colin McRae—the Impreza 22B STi remains a powerful rally machine. Building on Subaru’s success in World Rally Championship and its road car development, the Impreza 22B STi emerged as a formidable competitor in the wake of the infamous Group B era, showcasing Japan’s capability to produce high-performance vehicles utilizing a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout and a 2.0-liter engine.
Unlike the standard road engine, the EJ22 in the Impreza 22B STi featured a hand-built, race-ready closed-deck block, increasing its displacement to 2.2 liters. This setup included a larger turbocharger, turbo timer, forged pistons, metal head gaskets, and enhanced inlet and exhaust valves, all combined with a 5-speed manual transmission.
These enhancements enabled the Impreza 22B STi to produce 276 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. However, it’s rumored that the actual output may have exceeded these figures due to Subaru’s tendency to present inflated performance stats at the time. Weighing in at 2,800 pounds, the Impreza 22B STi could accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, and it’s likely even faster with today’s modern tires.
To ensure exceptional handling, upgrades included Bilstein suspension components, larger brakes (with 4-piston calipers in the front and 2-piston in the rear), lighter wheels, a differential lock control module, front and rear strut braces, high-performance tires, and a new twin-disc clutch. The vehicle’s aggressive stance was further characterized by a wider track, flared fenders, WRC-inspired bodywork, and a prominent rear wing.
Ultimately, these features turned the Impreza 22B STi into a cult classic. At its initial release, it was somewhat overshadowed by supercars, with enthusiasts opting for Ferraris and Lamborghinis instead. However, this has shifted over the years; while prices for the Impreza 22B STi have risen, they remain relatively affordable compared to modern performance counterparts.
Only 400 examples of the Impreza 22B STi were produced, with this particular model being number 196. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Subaru history and one of the most remarkable cars ever made for enthusiasts. Currently for sale by 4 Star Classics in the UK, the 1998 Impreza 22B STi has a mileage of 25,655 and is listed at $99,995, which makes the newer Subaru STI S209 at $63,995 seem quite affordable by comparison. Upon arrival at the dealership, the engine was thoroughly inspected, and a new timing belt was installed for the peace of mind of its future owner.
According to the listing, the car “was first registered in July 1998. It is one of only 400 Japanese-supplied vehicles and has recently been imported into the UK by 4 Star. The vehicle has been well cared for since new, with original service records and Japanese documentation available. Also included are the original Impreza owner’s manuals and supplementary 22B booklets, as well as documents for the HKS turbo timer and Sony Minidisc player. The car has just undergone full servicing and a timing belt replacement. The inspection report confirms a clean bill of health, and the MOT is valid until January 2020.”
Unfortunately, for Subaru enthusiasts in the United States, the 1998 Impreza 22B STi cannot be imported, and it will remain illegal to drive on American roads for the next three years. However, if you’re able to keep it off public roads, there are ways to bring it into the country for track days, autocross, or rallycross competitions. If you decide to make the purchase, please let us know—we’d love to come check it out!
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