1994 Subaru Impreza STi Version 1 – No. 001/100. Deep Blue Metallic, Re-built Engine, Gearbox and Differential, 17’’ Speedline Corsica Alloy Wheels, and beautifully restored, 93,000km.

*March 1994
*JDM STi Version 1 Chassis No 001 of 100
*Deep Blue metallic
*Re-Built Engine, Gearbox and Differential
*Fully Restored Bodywork and Chassis
*Original STi Interior
*17’’ Speedline Corsica Alloy Wheels
*Syvecs ECU and Re-Map
*Water Injection
*Sports Exhaust
*Additional set of WRX 16’’ Silver Speedline Alloy Wheels
*HPi Clear
*Superb Condition Throughout

CSC present for sale this stunning rare and highly collectable Subaru Impreza STi Version 1, the first production STi to leave the factory back in March 1994 and number 001 of an initial batch of just 100 cars all built to order.

INTRODUCTION:
Subaru Tecnica Internatinal – STi was established in1988 by Fuji Heavy Industries to undertake all Subaru’s motorsport activities and ultimately to establish Subaru in the World Rally Championship. Teaming up with British motorsports specialists Prodrive in 1989, Initial success was achieved with the Subaru Legacy turbo. In 1992 when rallying shifted towards smaller and lighter models, Subaru turned to the more suitable Impreza.

By 1994, Subaru were starting to dominate WRC and following success with the Impreza 555. Competitors Mitsubishi had launched the lancer GSR in response and so Subaru introduced an STi version of the already popular Impreza WRX, a model that had already been in production since 1992.

Production of the first road-going STi’s (known simply as ‘WRX STi Version’) began in February 1994. The cars started out as standard complete WRX models which were then taken from the assembly line for STi modification. The cars were built to order with the first production run of cars being limited to just 100 units for the Japanese market.

Mechanically, the STi variant was upgraded from the standard WRX in various areas including blueprinted performance-tuned engines featuring forged pistons, lightweight valve adjuster system, polished intake ports, revised turbo and a remapped ECU giving the cars a power output of 247bhp. Other performance upgrades included Intercooler water-sprayer, uprated intercooler, a larger bore exhaust system, stiffer springs and dampers, front strut brace and uprated brake pads.

Externally the cars wore WRX body styling with a larger, high level rear boot spoiler and STi badging. Under the bonnet each car had a numbered STi chassis plate on the right hand suspension tower. Inside, the STi theme was continued with a Nardi Steering wheel, STi logoed gear knob, instrument dials and front sports seats. Officially, the Impreza STi version 1 was available in Red, Silver and Black (but more on that later)!

BACKGROUND:
The car we have here is Chassis number 1 of the first 200 units, completed in March 1994. The car was imported to the UK in 1999 having covered around 27,000 km, and re-surfaced in 2005 in a slightly tatty state at Subaru Independent specialists API Engine Performance in Warwickshire having recently had its previous MOT in January 05 at 89,000 km.

Realising the importance of the car, the big question was why or how the car had ended up finished in Deep Blue, when the first STi’s were only available in Silver, Red or Black, a question made more puzzling by the fact the chassis details carried the ‘Light Silver’ code of 406? Obviously, there were several theories ranging from being re-painted, to being a WRX dressed up as an STi, or worse being a re-built damaged car with a false identity!

A thorough inspection and strip down of the car was carried out including the removal of the engine and it was clear the car had always been blue from the day it left the factory. The chassis number and tags were all correct and matching and the shell had never been tampered with.

After much research and delving into the cars history as much as possible, a copy of Subaru’s own production data-base eventually came to light showing that chassis number GC8-018188 had indeed been finished in Blue at the factory. It appears that despite the original plan to build the car in silver, and following production of the pre stamped chassis plates, a last minute change was made at the factory to build the first car in Deep blue, possibly as the car was destined for a special customer and this was the colour of the 1993 WRC winning Legacy from the previous year.

Once satisfied that the car was completely original, the lengthy re-build process began. APi Engineering set about rebuilding the engine, gearbox and differential and refurbishing or replacing all other major components including the chassis sub-frames. With the original version 1 intercooler beyond repair and new originals being discontinued, a new unit based on the factory original was commissioned built by Forge motorsport using modern lightweight and high performance materials.

Once all the chassis and mechanicals were completed, the car was sent to Subaru specialists Scooby Clinic where the remainder of the restoration was completed including the repair, replacement and re-finishing of bodywork and trim. The car was completed and eventually purchased direct from Scooby Clinic by the current owner who requested a few additional jobs be carried out including fitment of the Syvecs ECU and the car re-mapped appropriately for performance and usability. The results showed a healthy but sensible 276bhp.

The was purchased from Scooby Clinic fitted with a set of early WRX silver 6 spoke 16’’ Speedline alloy wheels, which the new owner replaced with a new set of 17inch Speedline Corse wheels finished in obligatory gold which set the car off perfectly. The 16’’ Silver Speedline alloy wheels will be included in the sale of the car.

RESTORATION:
Original Engine re built with new piston rings, ACL bearings, STi laminated head gaskets, re-built turbo, refurbished injectors and a new fuel pump. All engine systems including idle control valve, throttle position sensor and mass airflow sensor and boost solenoid all refurbished or replaced along with a new fuel pump. A new cam belt, idlers and tensioner were fitted.

The original gearbox and differential were re-built and a new clutch and flywheel fitted, whilst all the brakes and suspension components were refurbished or replaced and all bushes were renewed. The steering rack and coolant system were refurbished.

A full body restoration was carried out with the car being re-finished in its original Deep Blue metallic. The original interior was removed, refreshed where required and re-fitted.

PERFORMANCE:
Engine: 2.0 flat 4 turbo
Power: 276bhp (dyno figure)
Transmission: Close Ratio 5 speed Manual
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds*
Top Speed: 147mph*

(* based on standard spec)

HISTORY:
The car was registered in the UK on 16th September 1999, and was owned by a Mr Porter from Weybridge in Surry having covered around 27,000km. Records show the car stayed with the same owner until at least May 2004 then ending up with APi Engineering in 2005 with a noisy engine and having covered around 90,000km.

The car was dry-stored for several years until its importance cam to light and a full restoration began, carried out initially by APi Engineering with the later stages and cosmetics completed by Scooby Clinic in Chesterfield. The completed car was purchased direct from Scooby Clinic by the current owner in 2017, though it remained in dry storage with them until June 2018.

The car comes in superb condition and offers a ‘one-off’ opportunity to purchase a piece of motoring history in the form of Impreza STi no.001. Please call for further information or to arrange a viewing of this very collectable car.

PRICE:
£SOLD