The 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi remains the most sought-after road car in the brand’s long history. Built to celebrate Subaru’s 40th anniversary and its third consecutive WRC title, this is car #388 of only 400 produced. It features the legendary Sonic Blue Mica paint and the distinctive widebody design that mirrors its rally siblings. This example spent time in Japan and the UK before arriving in the US with only 32,000 kilometers on the clock. It even graced the cover of evo magazine, cementing its status as a verified automotive celebrity. For collectors, the 22B is the ultimate expression of the GC8 chassis and a true investment piece. Every detail on this car highlights the engineering prowess that dominated the world stage in the late nineties.
Sonic Blue Mica and Widebody Aerodynamics
The exterior of the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi is instantly recognizable by its widened fenders and rocker extensions. This specific silhouette was designed to replicate the presence of the WRC-spec race cars of the era. A vented aluminum hood houses an enlarged scoop to feed the top-mount intercooler efficiently. At the rear, an adjustable wing provides functional downforce while completing the aggressive rally aesthetic. Power-folding side mirrors and STi-branded fog light covers add to the unique trim levels found only on this model. Furthermore, the Sonic Blue Mica paint has been meticulously preserved, showing the care this rare vehicle has received. It is a design that remains timeless, capturing the raw energy of nineties motorsport perfectly. This car looks fast even when sitting completely still.
Gold BBS Wheels and Prodrive Suspension Tuning
This 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi rides on its signature 17-inch gold-finished BBS forged aluminum wheels. These lightweight wheels are paired with a Prodrive-tuned suspension system designed for maximum road holding and feedback. Bilstein “upside down” dampers and a carbon-fiber strut tower bar ensure the chassis remains composed under hard cornering. Stopping power is equally impressive, utilizing red-finished calipers over ventilated discs at all four corners. A quick-ratio steering gear provides the sharp, immediate response that drivers expect from a precision-built STi product. These components work together to deliver a driving experience that is mechanical, communicative, and incredibly rewarding. The setup ensures that the 22B handles with a level of agility that few modern cars can match. It is a true athlete on any paved surface.
Recaro Interior andSerialized Collector Plaque
The right-hand-drive cabin of the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi is a focused environment for the serious driver. Front Recaro bucket seats are trimmed in black and blue cloth, featuring red stitching and STi embroidery. A leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel fronts a white-dial instrument cluster with a 9,000-rpm tachometer. On the center console, a serialized plaque confirms this vehicle is number 388 of the original 400-unit production run. Modern amenities include automatic climate control and a Kenwood CD/cassette head unit with a trunk-mounted subwoofer. A center-differential control dial allows the driver to adjust the power distribution of the all-wheel-drive system manually. Every switch and surface feels purposeful, reflecting the car’s dual-purpose nature as a road and track machine. It is a cockpit built for total control.
Instrument Layout and Digital Gauges
Monitoring the vitals of the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi is handled by a comprehensive set of factory gauges. A Lamco boost gauge is mounted to the steering column, providing real-time data on the turbocharger’s performance. Additional auxiliary gauges for oil temperature, oil pressure, and voltage sit atop the center stack for easy viewing. The digital odometer indicates a low 32,000 kilometers, which is approximately 20,000 miles since new. These low miles are a testament to the car’s life as a protected collector piece in multiple countries. Service records from the UK and Japan accompany the sale, documenting its maintenance and care over decades. This level of documentation is vital for a vehicle of such historical and monetary significance. It ensures the next owner can drive with total peace of mind.
Turbocharged EJ22G Performance and All-Wheel Drive
The performance of the 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi comes from its unique 2.2-liter EJ22G turbocharged flat-four engine. This DOHC unit was factory rated at 280 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque for the Japanese market. It features a water-spray system for the intercooler, controlled by a switch on the dashboard to maintain power during hard runs. Power is sent through a close-ratio five-speed manual transaxle to an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The electronically locking center differential allows the driver to tailor the car’s handling characteristics to the road conditions. A recent timing belt service and spark plug replacement in late 2024 ensure the engine is in peak health. This technical package provides the explosive acceleration and unrelenting grip that defined Subaru’s golden era of rally dominance. It remains one of the most exciting drivetrains ever fitted to a production car.
Final Summary
The 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi is more than just a car; it is a monument to a legendary racing era. Being number 388 of 400 makes it an exceptionally rare find for any serious automotive collector. Its history of appearing in prominent media like evo magazine only adds to its storied provenance. The combination of low mileage, recent servicing, and a clean Montana title makes it ready for a new collection. Whether on a winding backroad or a concours lawn, the 22B commands immediate respect and admiration. It offers a pure, analog driving experience that modern performance cars often struggle to replicate today. This Subaru is a blue-chip investment that will likely continue to appreciate as its legend grows. It is the ultimate prize for those who appreciate the heritage of the World Rally Championship.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
