2000 Subaru Impreza P1

Built at Subaru's Fuji Heavy Industries plant in Japan and honed by rally royalty, Prodrive, here in the UK, the Impreza P1 was always destined to become the hugely desirable modern classic that we rightfully see it as today. Built in a limited run of just 1,000 cars, every one featured the iconic Sonic Blue paintwork, Anthracite 17" OZ racing wheels and a plethora of upgrades and unique features. It's easy to see why the P1 has gained such a cult following.

Based on the two-door bodyshell, with aerodynamics enhanced by Peter Stevens of McLaren F1 fame, beefier running gear and a fabulous suspension setup by Prodrive, the P1 has more in common with the legendary Impreza 22B than its larger four-door Impreza WRX contemporaries. Developed with British B-roads in mind, by the very same company which helped the likes of Colin McRae, Petter Solberg and Richard Burns win World Rally Championships, the 'Prodrive One' was intended to counter the wave of grey-import STI Type-Rs arriving from Japan.

Upgrades to the P1 were extensive, but not intrusive. The list includes a more powerful 280bhp engine (up 69bhp from a standard Impreza Turbo), mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with longer gearing and ABS brakes meaning the difference between a standard Impreza and a P1 is minimal. In addition to the 17" titanium-finish alloy wheels and rally-proven suspension, further upgrades include a big-bore exhaust and a quick-shift gear linkage.

Finished in the signature Sonic Blue, this rare P1 was originally registered on 13/9/00 to Mr Ronald Chaplin in Penrith who kept the vehicle for 18 months before selling it to a Mr Mark Beverley on 21/5/01 through Stan Palmer Ltd., the original supplying dealer. Mr Beverley only kept the car for seven months before Stan Palmer was once again tasked with finding a new owner and, this time he was more successful as the next owner, Michael Taylor kept the P1 for 23 years until a loss of storage meant that he had to say goodbye. At this point, in 2022, it was purchased by our vendor to add to his Collection.

Anyone interested in acquiring a P1 will know just how hard it is to find an unmolested car which hasn't been modified in any way. This remarkable example appears virtually unmarked with just some very minor blemishes to the rear bumper corner. It remains in standard specification, still retaining its original P1 exhaust with cats still fitted and unmarked original 17'' Pro-drive alloys, with the correct Pro-drive centre caps, wrapped with the correct 205/45 zr17 Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tyres. It also comes with the optional fog light covers and driving light covers. The interior could be described as untouched and the original Pro-Drive carpet mats remain, as do its original tool kit and boot mat. Still on display, are the original dealer plates, window sticker and key rings from the supplying dealer, Stan Palmer Ltd. in Carlisle. 

It's supplied with a full supporting book pack with original supplying dealer paperwork, all previous service records, MOT history, V5C, manuals etc. The current indicated mileage is 59,300 and the car will be presented to sale freshly recommissioned with a new cambelt, oil and filter service, and MOT.

Should you have been searching for a genuine, unadulterated example of Subaru's landmark P1, your search may be over.