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2018 Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction
Lot
35

1996 Subaru WRX Impreza Sedan

$30,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 4-cylinder, 2000cc
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Silver
Interior Grey
Trim Cloth
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

Based on the humble Impreza, Subaru's mighty WRX ranks right at the top of the list of motoring cult cars.  The combination of all-wheel drive grip, turbocharging and, crucially, a keen sale price all contributed to this legend - not to mention images of the signature blue and gold works cars howling through the forests in the World Rally Championship.  Introduced in 1992, the WRX shared the underpinnings of the previous Liberty/Legacy RS, but each part was refined, enhanced and packaged in the Impreza’s smaller body.  Australian cars received a 155 kW version of the EJ20, 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed turbo 4-cylinder coupled to the familiar constant all-wheel drive system.  A four-speed auto was made available, though the vast majority of buyers went with the five-speed manual.  Acceleration was phenomenal, easily a match for the local V8s of the day, but it was the extraordinary levels of grip the WRX had that made it a legend.  The original body 'GC8' Impreza WRXs went through to 2000 before the GD chassis was adopted - today the GC8 remains the choice of Subaru enthusiasts for its purer shape and direct association with the successful rally cars of the era.  Boasting an incredible motorsport legacy, the WRX achieved remarkable success in World Rally Championship events from 1993 onwards, scoring its debut victory in the 1994 Acropolis Rally and no less than three consecutive Constructor’s titles between 1995 and 1997.