1998 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI (MY99)
This stunning example of the legendary WRX presents in brilliant white with black leather interior trim.
It is Limited edition number 257
Delivered new by Westpoint Subaru of Moorooka, Qld in early 1999, it shows servicing in Queensland for the first few years and then attention by its current owner in Adelaide.
The current owner has provided a very good background to this car and is as follows:-
“A prime low kilometre example of a rallying homologation icon.
This rare Australian delivered Version 5 WRX STi two door coupe is one of only 399 ever officially imported into Australia and sold new by Subaru Australia. Of these 399 coupes approximately 260 were delivered in blue and only 139 in pure white.
These cars are a rapidly appreciating emerging classic vehicle with a worldwide provenance attached to their world rally championship success on the global stage and have developed a worldwide cult classic status. In some quarters the Australian delivered V5 STI, Evo 6.5 Makinen and R32 GTR are being touted as the GTS Monaro and Phase 3 GT Falcon’s of the 90’s, with the attributable collectability and investment potential attached to limited build homologation cars with a racing pedigree.
The Version 5 STI coupe is an exciting drive with nimble handling and phenomenal acceleration, easily a match for the supercars of the day, but it was the extraordinary levels of all wheel drive grip that make an STi a legend. The original body ‘GC8’ Impreza WRXs were built through to 2000 and today the GC8 chassis remains the choice of Subaru enthusiasts for its purer shape and direct association with the successful rally cars of the era.
The pinnacle two-door STI model arrived in 1999, priced at over $60,000 and all 399 were pre-sold before release. Equipped with a 206kW version of the famous boxer engine, including forged pistons, hollow stem inlet valves, sodium-filled exhaust valves and higher compression ratio, readily identified by its red intake manifold, complete with an upgraded roller bearing turbo, revised cams and higher boost pressures. the STI redlined at 8200rpm – good for a 0-100 km/h dash of just 4.9 seconds, supercar territory at the time and has left a legacy that has endured for over 20 years since its launch.
Other Version 5 STi additions included a close ratio transmission, aluminium bonnet, rear screen wiper, climate controlled air conditioning and larger redesigned aerodynamic rear wing. The STi proved to be an immediate hit with both customers and the motoring press, who praised the car for its impressive performance and handling, comparing it to much higher priced vehicles such as the Porsche 911 Carrera.
This example has its original unmodified engine and drivetrain, all owners books and extensive documentation, including pre-delivery sheet. The only slight deviations from standard configuration are a half exhaust (comes with original), upgraded stereo (also comes with original) and different shock absorbers, all easily returned to completely original. Further, the interior of this car is in stunning original condition.
The car has been fully recently serviced by a leading specialist in S.A. including cam belt change. It has totally overhauled front and rear brakes and 4 brand new tyres fitted to the immaculate original rims. The current owner has enjoyed this car for approximately 6 years, maintaining it to a high standard and regularly receiving praise at car events due to the vehicles condition and rarity and engaging in many traffic light conversations with people commenting on the desirability, condition and scarcity of the car.
As with all cars of this nature, Australian delivered cars are the most highly desired and valued.”
A great example and deserving an enthusiastic new owner.
Available to admire on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door Australia wide.
Finance – our broker offers VERY competitive rates and prompt service.
We welcome the opportunity to consider your trade in.
| Make: | Subaru |
| Model: | WRX STI Coupe |
| Built: | 1999 |
| KM: | 79,539 |
| Engine Size: | 2000cc |
| Cylinders: | 4 |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Price: | Sold |