2004 Subaru Impreza S10 WRC Ex-Mikko Hirvonen

In the golden age of early 2000s rallying, few names commanded greater respect than Subaru and Prodrive, competing and winning in the most competitive sphere of the World Rally Championship against major manufacturers with bitter rivalries. Prodrive had long since cemented itself as the motorsport arm of Subaru, masterminding the Championship-winning campaigns of Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg, as well as delivering one of the most recognisable cars in competition history, the blue and yellow Impreza WRC.

For 2004, Prodrive debuted the S10 iteration of the GD-chassis Impreza following refinements in every department. It was lighter, stiffer, more aerodynamically efficient and underpinned by increasingly sophisticated active differential and traction management. At its heart remained Subaru’s synonymous jewel, the turbocharged, competition-spec 2-litre flat-four mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The car was fitted with right-hand push/pull paddle shift, driving all four wheels through electronically controlled centre and rear differentials.

Offered here is CT53 SRT, a genuine works Subaru Impreza S10 WRC, constructed by Prodrive for the 2004 season and campaigned extensively in the World Rally Championship between 2004 and 2007. It boasts highly credible period history including eight WRC entries, having been driven by Mikko Hirvonen in both Rally Mexico and Rally Cyprus in 2004 where it achieved fifth overall on both occasions.

Later entered by Rally Team Olsbergs, the car was prepared by Prodrive for Rally Sweden in 2006, where it was piloted by Swedish veteran Thomas Rådström. Other WRC entries include Sardinia, Turkey and the Acropolis Rally of Greece with three fifth place overall finishes across its competitive life.

The car’s most dramatic outing came at Rally Finland in 2004 while being driven by Hirvonen. It suffered an off in SS10, striking a barrier and retiring with broken front suspension. While the damage was significant enough to end its rally, the car retains its original Gold FIA Passport, indicating that it was repaired rather than re-shelled and it remains on its original Prodrive chassis to this day.

Today, CT53 SRT presents in highly original specification. Finished in World Rally Blue with iconic contrasting yellow Subaru rally decals, the car wears period sponsorship logos, Hirvonen driver nameplates and Rally Mexico decals to the bonnet and doors. It sits on 18" OZ Racing Prodrive 10-spoke gold alloy wheels, shod in Pirelli P Zero RX9 tyres and features all the hallmark works upgrades - extended wheel-arches, a roof vent, carbon fibre aerodynamic door mirrors, a carbon front bumper, quick-release catches and a finned carbon rear wing.

The stripped white cabin features Sparco FIA-approved bucket seats trimmed in black cloth, 6-point harnesses, a flocked dashboard, carbon fibre door cards and centre console, Momo Alcantara steering wheel, full Prodrive roll cage, digital multifunction display, hydraulic handbrake, switchable anti-lag and differential lock controls, a Peltor intercom system, fire suppression, kill switch, air-conditioning and an FIA-compliant ATL fuel cell. Suspension is now managed by Rieger adjustable dampers, with braking and pedal control via AP Racing components.

The car has recently benefited from a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, including a full engine rebuild by ex-Prodrive engine builder Graham Sweet and a transmission rebuild by Jason Bridge, another former Prodrive employee. The engine has covered fewer than 150km since rebuild. In 2023, it also received full fluid changes, a pre-event preparation inspection and new steering and lower control arm rose joints. The seats and harnesses were also replaced with up to date FIA-certified units.

This car comes with extensive supporting documentation, including its original FIA Gold Passport, Prodrive build information, Motor Sports Association homologation forms, period repair and event manuals and further historic paperwork.

It has a comprehensive spares package, available by separate negotiation, including spare alloy wheels and tyres, body panels, carbon fibre light pod, radiator and intercooler, fasteners and various drivetrain and chassis components.

The previous Australian owner had planned and prepared the car to compete in rallies, yet due to COVID the four events they planned on entering were cancelled. Having enjoyed the car through their private woodland, it seemed more fitting to move the car on for someone else to make the most of.

Our vendor purchased the car in 2023 and returned it to the UK, residing as part of a truly formidable private Collection of rally and JDM royalty. Despite being exported to Australia, upon its return and taxes being paid, it has thankfully been reassigned its original UK registration, CT53 SRT and is suitable for historic competition, demonstration runs, or private Collection use alike.

CT53 SRT remains in superb running and driving order and presents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented, Prodrive-built, ex-Works WRC car with top-tier provenance, factory components, fresh mechanicals and no expense spared upkeep. It is certainly ready for the stages, the paddock, or the concours lawn, whatever one sees fit.