It's one of only three existing prototypes, and it's looking for a new home.
Subaru WRX fans definitely know the Impreza WRX 22B STi. The two-door coupe is one of the rarest and most expensive Subarus, with only under 500 units ever produced, including three prototypes.
But what if we say one of those three prototypes is up for sale at Silverstone Auctions – one previously owned by Colin McRae?
Seeing a 22B up for sale doesn't often happen, more so an example personally owned by the legendary rally icon himself. This particular 22B STi was gifted to McRae in 1998, easily identifiable by its 000/400 build plate, denoting its pre-production status.
According to the auction description, McRae's 22B has less than 7,450 miles on it. It was JDM-spec with a 4.444 final drive ratio for better acceleration, a speedometer that reads in km/h, and STi-branded fog lights with covers. The only modification is the exhaust system, but the original exhaust and tires will be included.
All 22B STis have a 2.2-liter engine allegedly producing 276 horsepower. The reality is they produced way more, only under-claimed due to a power limit agreement among Japanese automakers. As a rally-inspired road car, its unique features include a seam-welded bodyshell, twin-plate racing clutch, reinforced drive and prop shafts, larger brakes, and driver-adjustable front and rear differentials. The suspension has forged-aluminum lower links, rose-jointed transverse links, inverted Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, and striking gold 17-inch BBS alloy wheels.
One bit of interesting trivia from the auction house states that the name “22B” pays homage to the 555 World Rally Championship sponsorship of that era. “Five hundred and fifty-five” translates to “22B” in hexadecimal, the number base used in computer programming.
This piece of history will be up for sale on August 25, 2023, and is estimated to fetch a price between $508,000 and $635,000 once auctions begin. Considering a 22B sold at auction at over $300,000 before – and the fact that this was Colin Mcrae's personal ride – those numbers might not be far-off. But given the rarity of 22Bs, this one's provenance might see it sell for even more.
Keyword: Colin McRae's Subaru Impreza 22B STi Ready To Set A New Record