- Built as a double celebration of Subaru’s 40th anniversary and triple wins of the WRC manufacturer’s championship, the 22B is the best STI.
- All the Subaru rally-racing goodies are right here: a driver-adjustable all-wheel-generate technique, wider bodywork, a substantial rear wing, and Planet Rally Blue paint.
- The auction runs by means of March 28, with bidding already approaching $100K.
Auto and Driver
In 1998, Subaru turned 40 and gave alone fairly considerably the ideal birthday current at any time. Subaru was using substantial in its middle age, with 3 consecutive WRC producer championships involving 1995 and 1997. To rejoice, it declared what would grow to be the most desirable car or truck ever to don the 6-star Subaru badge: the rally-bred 22B. Just one of these late 1990s Entire world Rally Blue beauties is now up for auction on Provide a Trailer—which, like Automobile and Driver, is element of Hearst Autos.
Bring a Trailer
This 22B is #135 of the 400 illustrations marketed in Japan (a more 25 were split concerning the U.K. and Australia). The motor vehicle has been imported into the U.S. under “present and screen” guidelines. Underneath display and exhibit procedures, a grey-marketplace car like the Subaru 22B is minimal to 2500 miles a 12 months.
This era of the WRX/STI never ever officially came to the U.S., and the closest we got on this side of the Pacific was the 2.5RS. Even people have increased in price of late, as Subaru fanatics look for out clean donor chassis to build tribute autos.
Vehicle and Driver
When it arrives to a authentic 22B, issues are about as tasty as any gravel-spattered rally otaku could hope for. No Subaru STI has ever appeared superior, and at just around 2800 lbs ., number of have been lighter. The blister fenders household 235-collection tires for optimum grip —Car and Driver managed .96 g on the skidpad in a 1999 test—while tucked below that practical hood scoop is a turbocharged and intercooled 2.2-liter flat-4 motor with a redline of 7900 rpm. Drinking water injectors are managed by a dashboard swap. Subaru outlined the 22B at the 280-hp ranking frequent at the time, but it is really broadly thought that the peak electricity determine was someplace amongst 300 and 350 horsepower.
Convey a Trailer
That energy is doled out via an all-wheel-push technique with an adjustable middle differential, creating for all forms of again-highway pace or large, enjoyment sliding. It can be the sort of driving expertise that however echoes today in rally-inspired machinery like Toyota’s GR Corolla, or, certainly, Subaru’s have WRX sedan. Pause right here to pour out a gallon of vape fluid for the considerably-skipped STI edition
This vehicle has 186,000 kilometers (115,000 miles) on the odometer and has just finished a detailed motor-out support. Despite the 6-figure mileage, bidding has by now strike $90,000 with seven days to go.
Convey a Trailer
If the assumed of a six-figure Subaru is surprising, that range is only likely to tick upward. The 22B is fundamentally the Subaru equivalent of the Ferrari F40, an anniversary present of a type that will probably in no way be observed once again.
Besides, can you drift your 401K on gravel, then just take it property to wash the bugs off your side home windows? In these unsure periods, when even blue-chip investments can falter, probably it truly is time to take into consideration Earth Rally Blue–chip kinds. No matter what transpires in the money marketplaces, you can financial institution on the point that a filth-street blast in a 22B is positive to make you truly feel like Colin McRae.
Automobile and driverCar and driver Lettermark symbol
Contributing Editor
Brendan McAleer is a freelance author and photographer centered in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British vehicles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese activity-compact functionality, and commenced crafting about automobiles and folks in 2008. His certain interest is the intersection involving humanity and equipment, regardless of whether it is the racing job of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s fifty percent-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a guide transmission and is grateful for the excuse they offer to be perpetually purchasing Incredibly hot Wheels.