Like so many other fan favorites from the 1990s, Subaru’s current crop of WRX doesn’t carry the same sort of spirit that made the go-fast Imprezas legendary. And, yes, we should all be thankful that manual transmission, non-EV, turbocharged options like the Civic Type R and Integra Type S, GR Supra and Corolla, and a very small handful of others are still being made available, there’s just nothing quite like those ’90s JDM heroes.
For the dedicated Subie fan, nothing quite hits the same as the STi 22B —a chassis immortalized as one of, if not the greatest, to ever wear the familiar bright blue and gold color combo. And while any 22B is very, very special, this one is a legend. Here’s why it’s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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The Ultimate Subaru WRX
There’s no doubt that the 22B is the ultimate Subaru. Any 22B, regardless of condition, will carry a hefty price tag—if you can even find one. But this one, made available exclusively through Silverstone Auctions of Warwikshire,U.K., is by far one of the finest examples you’ll ever see and potentially own, if you’ve got a healthy checking account.
Subaru 22B STi: Rally Car for the Road
Subaru felt the best way to celebrate their 40th anniversary, as well as shed additional light on their trio of annual manufacturer wins WRC competition, was to offer a road going version of their all but unstoppable rally car.
Toned down for street use but still sporting an additional 80mm of width via bulging fenders, a huge wing almost equal to the rear window itself, and an engine designed to hold up to extensive abuse. It was an enthusiast’s dream car upon its introduction that today carries so much value that it probably discourages adding additional mileage to such a prized possession.
Subaru 22B STi: Unicorn Status
It’s said that 400 examples were produced for Japan’s market with an additional 21 intended for the U.K. and Australia, as well as a trio of prototype cars (all three badged as #000/400) for some very special owners, including legendary rally driver and brand champion Colin McRae, his co-driver Nicky Grist (who would later own a production model to accompany the prototype), and David Lapworth of Prodrive. This example just so happens to be McRae’s personal model, making it even more desirable to collectors.
Heart Of A Champion
The 16-valve, DOHC turbocharged, 2.2-liter boxer engine was rated at 280 horsepower—emphasis on rated. That was the contemporary, agreed-upon horsepower limit among Japanese manufacturers, to limit any potential horsepower war and theoretically curb high-speed deaths.
Subaru 22B STi: Underrated
Like most other JDM vehicles of this era, the vehicle’s actual output is substantially higher than that, with many suggesting the 22B checked in well north of 300 hp. Being a Japanese-market model, the three prototypes feature a 4.444 final drive for increased acceleration, along with the 22B’s twin-plate clutch, larger brakes, beefier drive and prop shafts.
Behind the familiar gold, 17-inch BBS alloys are Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.
Subaru 22B STi: History in Motion
As the images reflect, this STi 22B is in stellar condition with only around 7,400 miles on its odometer. A dream acquisition for the distinguished collector that would not only add a very limited edition 1990s JDM trophy to their collection, but also one previously owned by a driving legend.
Subaru 22B STi: Precious Metal
Just a few months ago, a standard production model 22B with around 115,000 miles on the clock auctioned for just over $250,000. A few years ago, another model with just a few hundred miles pulled in $370,000 at auction. McRae’s chassis certainly takes the crown as having the most unique history, and with ’90s Japanese cars post-Covid fetching outlandish amounts of money, could this potentially be worth over half a million dollars?
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