Subaru’s journey to the pinnacle of international rallying began in the early 1980s, a venture that would dramatically elevate the Japanese automaker’s global profile. From their initial forays with the Leone in the challenging Safari Rally, Subaru persistently honed their rally prowess. The pivotal moment arrived in 1990 with the partnership with Prodrive, a collaboration that propelled Subaru into a full-fledged international rally campaign. Early successes, like Colin McRae’s consecutive RAC Open Championship wins in 1991 and 1992 driving the Legacy 4WD, signaled the dawn of a new era.
The introduction of the Impreza Turbo in 1993 marked a turning point. Subaru’s first major international victory came swiftly with McRae and Derek Ringer’s triumph at the New Zealand Rally in August of that year. The momentum continued into 1994 with three more World Rally Championship (WRC) wins. By 1995, Subaru realized its ambition, securing the World Championship title. The Subaru team, spearheaded by McRae and Carlos Sainz, dominated, claiming five of eight rounds, ultimately with McRae clinching the Drivers’ Championship. Subaru’s dominance extended to the Manufacturers’ title, a feat repeated in 1996 and 1997, cementing their place in rally history. Further Drivers’ World Championships followed in 2001 and 2003, driven by Richard Burns and Petter Solberg respectively.
The Subaru Impreza STI 22b, a marvel born from this rich rally heritage, was conceived as a road-going embodiment of Subaru’s 1997 WRC team car. Unveiled as a prototype at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, it preceded the production model launched in March 1998. Commemorating Subaru’s 40th anniversary and their third consecutive WRC manufacturer’s title, the 22B was more than just a car; it was a statement. Despite a premium price tag of 5 million yen, the limited run of 400 cars sold out within a mere two days, underscoring its immediate desirability.
Beneath the distinctive wide body of the 22B resided a potent 2.2-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, officially rated at 280PS (276bhp), a figure often cited as intentionally understated to comply with Japanese regulations. This power was channeled through a robust four-wheel-drive system, enhanced for the 22B, via a ceramic/metal clutch. Reflecting Prodrive’s extensive rally expertise, the chassis featured Eibach suspension springs, Bilstein dampers, 4-pot brake calipers, and forged BBS alloy wheels. The striking aerodynamic design, characterized by flared wheel arches, a prominent front air dam, and a rear spoiler, was crafted by Peter Stevens, the renowned British vehicle designer then consulting for Prodrive.
Subaru’s own showpiece, the pre-production Prototype 000 22B, made its debut at the 32nd Tokyo Auto Show in 1997. These ultra-rare prototypes, of which only five were made, were gifted to key figures within Subaru and their rally teams, including drivers like Nicky Grist and Colin McRae. The very first of these (chassis 061819) was presented to David Lapworth of Prodrive in 1997, the architect of Subaru’s championship-winning widebody rally cars. This particular chassis, 061819, stands as the sole Prototype 000 built in 1997, Subaru’s inaugural road-legal, wide-bodied tribute to their World Rally success for public roads. Its ownership history traces back from Subaru of Japan and Prodrive in England to a dedicated private collector in Japan for two decades, before its recent acquisition by the current seller.
Remarkably, this 22B prototype, chassis 061819, has recorded a mere 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) at the time of cataloging. This extraordinarily low mileage enhances its rarity, potentially making it the lowest mileage example of its kind. Never titled or registered for road use, this 22B has been meticulously preserved in pristine, ‘as new’ condition by all its custodians, even retaining its original Pirelli tires. Finished in the iconic Sonic Blue Mica with a black and blue interior – the exclusive color combination for all 22B models – chassis 061819 set the aesthetic benchmark for this legendary vehicle.
Specifications
Engine: 2,212cc Turbocharged Flat 4-Cylinder Engine Electronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower: 276 @ 6000 RPM
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
Weight: 2711 lbs.
Wheel Specs: Pavement 8″x18″, Gravel 7″x15″, Snow 5.5″x16″
