Rare 1998 Subaru Impreza Turbo Terzo #310 Up for Auction After £12K Restoration

Despite the restoration, it remains largely factory-spec, with the only deviation being a P1 rear exhaust. Even the original Subaru radio-cassette player remains intact, offering a true throwback to late-'90s rally-inspired motoring.

Terzo Exterior: Classic Subaru Style with Subtle Exclusivity

It's exclusive Mica Blue paint (code 74F) sets the Terzo apart visually, a shade slightly lighter than the famous WR Blue worn by Subaru’s WRC heroes. It’s one of Terzo’s best-kept secrets, noticeable only to trained eyes.

Exterior Highlights:

• Factory Mica Blue paint shows good gloss, with a few imperfections including fading on the roof, minor scuffs on the rear bumper, and small dings on the doors
• Original gold 16-inch WRC-style alloys included
• Currently fitted with 17-inch anthracite Prodrive alloys (refinished during restoration)
• Correct Bridgestone Potenza 215/45 tires
• Terzo decals on each front wing and boot lid
• Original deep front bumper, side skirts, and body-colored rear spoiler
• New windscreen installed in 2024

This car is a visual homage to Subaru’s golden age of rallying—still sharp, still aggressive, and unmistakably Impreza.

Interior: Purposeful, Original, and Unmodified

The cabin reflects the same level of care. It’s nearly untouched from factory spec, with the Terzo-specific bucket seats in excellent shape. The light grey Alcantara centers and dark jersey side bolsters are offset by red contrast stitching, a unique detail exclusive to this limited-run model.

Interior Features:

• Slight wear on the driver’s seat bolster
• Factory fixed rear bench for added rigidity
• Clean white-faced gauges with grey markings
• Original Momo four-spoke steering wheel
• Subaru-branded radio/cassette unit still installed
• Numbered Terzo plaque (#310 of 333)
• Headliner, door cards, and carpets in very good condition
• Minor wear on the gear knob
• Air conditioning may require re-gas

Completely unmodified interiors in early Imprezas are becoming increasingly rare, especially for numbered special editions like this. It’s a true time capsule for fans of '90s JDM machines.

Mechanical Integrity: Boxer Brilliance

Under the hood sits Subaru’s legendary EJ20 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine, delivering a punchy 208 bhp and 214 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with a five-speed manual transmission and Symmetrical AWD, this lightweight (1235kg) saloon was capable of a sub-6 second 0–60 mph time and a top speed exceeding 140 mph, serious numbers for its era.

Under the Bonnet:

• Full engine rebuild completed in 2022
• All panels straight and clean
• Original Fuji Heavy Industries data plate intact
• Minor cosmetic oxidation on some alloy components
• Underbody shows expected age-related surface rust—nothing structural

Provenance & Ownership History

This Impreza’s backstory is as compelling as the car itself. The current owner acquired it with 110,000 miles, noting that the original owner had maintained a strict service regimen, getting it serviced by Subaru every 7,500–8,000 miles.

It came from the factory with the optional Prodrive Styling Pack, including:

• 17-inch wheels (still present)
• Uprated suspension
• High-level rear spoiler
• Quickshift gear lever

The car served as the owner’s daily driver for a decade, amassing 216,000 miles before being taken off the road in 2012 due to a mechanical issue. It remained stored until the comprehensive restoration was completed in late 2022.

The result? A car with one of the most complete service records you’re likely to find, fully documented and meticulously maintained from day one.

Why the Subaru Impreza Terzo Deserves Your Attention

The Terzo edition was created to celebrate Subaru’s success in the WRC, and it marked the first time a road-going Impreza wore the now-iconic gold wheels.

With just 333 examples produced, it’s one of the rarest factory Imprezas, and examples like this original, documented, and well-cared-for are virtually impossible to find today.

Whether you’re a collector, a rally nut, or just someone who appreciates a well-sorted JDM legend, this car is a standout example of Subaru’s golden era.

Final Thoughts

With a comprehensive restoration, a rare factory spec, and just two careful owners, this 1998 Subaru Impreza Turbo Terzo #310 is a collector-grade modern classic that’s ready to be enjoyed or cherished in any serious Subaru collection.

Now live on Bonhams – don’t miss your chance to own one of the most original and desirable Subaru Imprezas in existence.

Visit Bonhams to place your bid now.