Impreza set to make £70,000 at auction

A 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi, one of the most sought after Japanese performance cars around, could fetch up to £70,000 when it goes under the hammer later this month.

The car, which has just 2500 miles on the clock, was owned by British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed and is one of just 400 made. It will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions' 20 May sale. The 22B model was introduced in 1998 to mark Subaru's 40th anniversary, as well as the third consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship.

A host of special features from the Peter Stevens’ designed rally car were applied to the road going coupe. There’s flared widebody, unique bonnet, front and rear bumpers and a one-off adjustable rear wing, as well as the unique ‘555’ Blue paint colour.

And with the 2.2-litre E22 engine, complete with forged pistons, a big turbocharger and intercooler, it can hit 60mph from standstill in just 4.5 seconds.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said, ‘These Imprezas come to market exceptionally infrequently and very few exist in the UK. The lucky new owner will have a lot of fun driving it as well as a very secure investment.’