Impreza Sport Wagon STi 555 V-Limited. Amazingly Well Preserved Example. Basic Info Registration date 7/1997 Chassis Number GF8-035217 Mileage 55163 Color 555 Blue (53G) OTR Price 8795 Detailed description The STi 555 V-Limited Sports Wagon the most collectable and also the best of all the now classic 5 door Imprezas. As model only built for the Japanese domestic market, only 555 numbered examples of these Version 3 STi (280 bhp) blue sports wagons were built (There is a plaque showing this to be no 223 / 555). as final production before production ceased in 1998. Impreza Sti's were seriously capable cars that provided more performance than say a Lancia Delta Integrale Evolution. With the classic Impreza having been a car that moved the goal posts so much as far as usable, exciting every day reliable performance were concerned it's no surprise the best examples continue to rise in value now - and will continue to do so.with so many having been lost to abuse, neglect and rust, truly pristine classic Imprezas are now becoming increasingly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide. Having owned one of these in 1999 (In Japan) we remember it fondly and so we look out for the best examples. When we finally located this example, we knew we had to have it. Condition of this 555 Sports wagon is the best we can remember having in stock for a very, very long time now!although it's a 1997 car, condition is much like new and it should last a very long time provided it's well looked after. Features of the 555 STi V-Limited include 555 blue (53G) colour code with a V-Limited Emblem (223 / 555) commemorating Subaru's victory at the 1996 WRC. The rear spoilers were larger than those fitted to WRX models. The EJ20 red-top engines were Sti Blue-printed units with stronger internals incl. better camshafts, valve springs and larger turbo (TD05) combined with an 8,000 rpm rev limit (Normal WRX's are 7,000) packing 280+ bhp as standard. Further mechanical improvements from Subaru Technica International include a carbon fibre front strut brace, uprated intercooler, uprated (STi) suspension, 4 piston brakes at front with 2 piston at rear. The exhaust was also larger diameter, these comprise the main mechanical differences between a WRX or UK Impreza Turbo and the Sti 3. Other features include the STi interior (Note seats are in near perfect condition too!), red stitched shift knob and fitted floor mats. This example was also specified with original option Kenwood audio equipment, which still remains. Externally there's a useful set of 1
driving lights in place of the usual plastic covers, which house no lights behind at all. This Impreza came to us equipped with a set of Prodrive WRC1 wheels (Produced by O.Z. Racing) of size: 17 x 7.0 + 52 (In virtually perfect condition), to which we have fitted with brand new Toyo DRB tyres of size 215/45R17. Blue lightweight racing wheel nuts with locks are also fitted. There is also an HKS intake system, whose filter we renewed whilst completing an oil service. There's a Momo steering wheel fitted also. Finally there's a turbo timer, which allows the engine to stay on after the car's been parked for a user-set time, to allow the turbo to cool after hard use. This comprises all the modifications to this car. Note that if the new owner would like some, provided they're still available from stock, we should be able to provide a set of original Sti (3-5 model) original alloys with good winter tyres with this car. Although it needs no re-mapping at all for UK and will happily produce 280 bhp as is, we can also supply a rare Apexi Power FC ECU (discontinued for this model) & new boost controller. Ask us for further details or visit www.neweraparts.com For the sports or young family driver who wants reliable decent capacity load carrying capability without the weight penalty, outstanding 4WD road holding, STi performance and reliability - with the ability to not only be practical, but a lot of fun to drive, this is the wagon to own. Better dynamically than the later heavier and more watered down bug eye WRX wagons, in terms of performance & fun - you'll be hard pressed to find better. Classic Impreza Sti performance - with all the practicality of a normal 5 door wagon. The cross country performance this example offers to genuine driving enthusiasts makes other manufacturer's modern examples with excessive electronic driving aids inferior if you're the sort who likes to drive by yourself, not have electronics do much of it for you. Electronics which - annoyingly go wrong from time to time too. These imprezas were beautifully engineered and remain entirely usable every-day cars, although we would add - this one would benefit in the long term from being well preserved from rust before it begins it's life on the UK's roads. Watch this video from Richard Hammond where he compares the classic UK Impreza to the (older than this one) Import Sti model. Condition: Our full array of pictures will speak for themselves to show the outstanding condition of this Impreza STi 555 Sports wagon.the body & paintwork have been beautifully kept since new. The entire car is completely rust free. Compare to a UK car or one that's been imported for a long time then see the underside & engine bay pictures of our's! There are 2 light pin dents on the front o/s wing, one on the drivers' door and 2 tiny ones on the rear o/s door too. We will have these removed in the UK. Also there are a few tiny touch-up paint marks on the body (Well colour matched & therefore virtually invisible). These are, we feel - too small to require putting right, but are mentioned to give a complete report. As a non-smoker's car from new of low mileage the interior is also in excellent condition with no cig burns on seats, nor any significant wear. It's very 2
rare to find an example anywhere near this good nowadays and from our experience in selecting Imprezas over the years whilst hunting out rare ones for our customer orders, we know this is a rare beast. Test Drive: Mechanically it's also in good condition. Strong power with good response, a nice quiet engine with no noisy valve gear or signs of a hard pushed engine.. We test drove this car for around 60km after warming up - which revealed a very tight feeling car. There are no faults to report at all. This car's been regularly serviced and oil was recently changed (next oil change is not due for another 4,000km/ 2,500 miles). In conclusion, this is an exceptional classic Impreza STi 555 V-Limited Sports Wagon in stunning condition. Inclusive of new MOT, Full UK registration, 12 month's comprehensive warranty & a full valet just before collection - Price is: 8,795 OTR. Recently sold to a UK customer, his plans have changed & therefore the car is back on the market in the condition supplied & described.a deposit of 1,000 secures this Impreza sports wagon. Contact us for further details on how to reserve this unique example. Newera Imports - Recommended widely by Forum members, UK tuners and Magazines as the no. 1 supplier of the best quality imported cars. Now also supplying ALL performance parts. 3
Photos We had one of these in Japan when 3 years old and it wasn't as clean as this! An amazing example, as if it's been in a time warp. 4
Prodrive wheels by O.Z. Racing set this car off beautifully. Bodywork is stuning throughout! 5
Classic Imprezas this good are now very difficult to find. Paintwork is in beautiful condition throughout. 6
Amazingly well preserved. Only 555 examples of this V-Limited model were built. How many remain in this condition? 7
A beautiful example in every way. Paintwork is deep and beautifully cared for. 8
A classic that will appreciate strongly in the near future. Shape has aged well. 9
Subaru Driving lights were an expensive original option. Note the larger rear spoilers, compared to WRX models. 10
Picture 15 A proper Q-car estate! 11
Amazing to look at from any angle, this Scooby is nicer in the flesh than pics! Amazing condition. 12
Beautiful from any angle. Privacy rear glass was also standard on these. 13
The 555 V-Limited's blue has really grown on us since we got this example for stock. Picture 22 14
Picture 23 An awesome example in every aspect. 15
Original V-Limited No 233 / 555 emblems. Wheels are unmarked and like new 16
Toyo sports tyres are also brand new. Wheels are unmarked and like new 17
Wheels are unmarked and like new Engine recently serviced. 18
Engine bay is beautifully presented. Picture 32 19
Note the lack of corrosion & ageing. Note the lack of corrosion & ageing. 20
Note the lack of corrosion & ageing. Original chassis plate. 21
Oil change recently completed. Interior is in amazing condition. Note the lack of discolouration and wear on seats. 22
Interior is in amazing condition. Note the lack of discolouration and wear on seats. Interior is in amazing condition. Note the lack of discolouration and wear on seats. 23
Picture 41 Rear seats look as if they've barely been used at all. 24
Picture 43 Picture 44 25
Rear seats look as if they've barely been used at all. Picture 46 26
Driver's view. Driver's seat is also in excellent condition. 27
Driver's seat is unworn. Driver's view. 28
Momo steering wheel is fitted. Picture 52 29
A non-smoker's car. Picture 54 30
All warning lights operate correctly. Picture 56 31
Odometer shows total distance covered in km since new. Boot area is also in excellent original condition. 32
Spare wheel & tool kit are unused. 2 very small pin dents - to be repaired as part of full preparation in UK 33
1 small pin dent - to be repaired as part of full preparation in UK 2 very small pin dents - to be repaired as part of full preparation in UK 34
Condition beneath is excellent too with no rust at all to the under body. A picture taken in the shade as we finished shooting this V-Limited. 35
How the Newera System Works (1). Starting with your inquiry, we provide a quote or e-mail communication, so that we are clear on just what you are after. We ask for detailed information from you, so we can provide an accurate quotation from the beginning. If you are inquiring about a car from stock, steps (2) and (4) are not required. (2). When sourcing to order, our quotation is based on your requirements. As long as your budget is sufficient for the car youre after & the car is likely to be available, we will be prepared to find the car you order, or better. Remember: even if you budget too much, it doesnt matter. We operate a system of supplying the best car we can find, plus a set fee of 900. If we can buy your car for a low price, then you make the corresponding saving. (3). When you are ready to proceed, we ask for a deposit (& completed order form, if applicable). The deposit is usually 1,000. If you want a car worth over 10K OTR, then the deposit is 1,500. The deposit is fully refundable without question, should you for any reason need to cancel before a car is bought on your behalf. If you are reserving a car from stock the deposit is refundable less costs and time incurred provided you cancel 4 working days before shipment from Japan. (4). Miguel, our buyer keeps you informed via e-mail periodically whilst searching for your car. Sometimes it can take weeks, even months to find the right car. In addition to Miguel attending the major Tokyo auctions daily, we have buyers searching daily throughout Japan for the car you want. No news simply means we havent found it yet. We dont buy the first car which comes along. It must meet or exceed your requirements whilst not costing more than the OTR price we agreed, though it frequently costs less. (5). As soon as available, we will e-mail you up to 30 detailed photographs, showing all aspects of your car. We also include a detailed description. Of course, total OTR price is known at this stage, so we let you know. Cars are insured from the time theyre bought, to the time they are completed & collected by you in UK. (6). Usually, boats are available every 2-3 weeks, from Japan to UK (Southampton). We arrange for your car to be shipped on the first vessel available. Around the time the car is shipped, we ask for the second instalment. Typically this is approximately 36
60% of the cars OTR total cost. Note that the car we supply to you is fully insured at all times prior to you collecting it. (7) We arrange booking of the SVA test in advance - shortly after the car departs, so that the car can be tested as soon as possible upon arrival to UK. We also inform our UK agent of your full contact details and information on everything which needs doing, to make sure the car wil be presented in beautiful condition. (8). Shipping takes 5 weeks. Around 2 weeks before arrival, we ask you for the final instalment, to cover Import duties, VAT, shipping, UK conversions, testing, registraton etc. (9). Before the car arrives, we arrange customs clearance, etc. so the car neednt spend un-necessary time waiting at the docks upon arrival. It usually takes 3-4 days for cars to be unloaded and cleared by UK customs. (10). The car is sent from Southampton to our UK agents premises in Canterbury aboard a car transporter. Upon arrival there, it is SVA converted, derestricted, SVA tested & MOTd (If applicable). All minor cosmetic work required (e.g. bumper scratches) is carried out. The car is fully valetted just before you collect it. (11). The car comes with 6 months road tax and is fully registered in your name as the first UK keeper. If you have a suitable private number plate youd like to go on the car, we can also arrange this, provided you have a DVLA retention certificate. N.B. The entire system of how the Newera Imports system works, from beginning to end is shown on Neweras DVD Skylines & Skyscrapers This video can be ordered either through our website or sending a cheque and return address to our UK office, details of UK office address, below. 37