One of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Japanese performance cars will cross the block at Silverstone Auctions later this week.
The company’s May sale, which takes place at the world-famous Silverstone race track, will offer a 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B Sti, one of just 400 examples ever built.
The car was released in 1998 to commemorate Subaru’s 40th anniversary,along with their third consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship.
When the cars were originally offered for sale almost 20 years ago, every one was snapped up within 30 minutes, and few have ever hit the secondary market.
Driven by a 2.2 litre E22 engine, forged pistons, and a big turbocharger and intercooler, the 22B can go from 0 to 60 mph in four and a half seconds. It also features special design features originally used on the Peter Stevens-designed rally car, such as a fender flared widebody, a unique bonnet, front and rear bumpers and a unique adjustable rear wing.
The example on offer has had just one registered owner from new, British boxer, Prince Naseem Hamed, and is expected to sell for £60,000-£70,000 ($87,660-$102,270).
“We’re delighted to be offering such an iconic car in the May Sale,” said Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. “These Imprezas come to market exceptionally infrequently and very few exist in the UK. The lucky new owner will have a lot of fun driving it as well as a very secure investment.”
The Silverstone Auctions sale takes place on Friday May 20.
