🔥 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version V

🇯🇵 1 of Approximately 709 in Factory Pure White (51E) 🇯🇵

A RARE PIECE OF JAPANESE MOTORING HISTORY – PRESERVED!

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version V, finished in its original factory Pure White (51E).

ONE JAPANESE OWNER FROM 1998 TO 2025 – VERIFIED MILEAGE – NEVER MODIFIED.

This iconic two-door STI remained with its original Japanese owner for approximately 27 years, retaining the originality, character and authenticity that make these increasingly rare Japanese performance cars so desirable.

Accompanied by its original Japanese auction sheets and recorded auction grades, this example offers the documented provenance that serious collectors and enthusiasts seek.

Unlike so many surviving GC8 WRXs that have been extensively modified, upgraded or transformed over the years, this particular example has never been modified and has retained its original factory specification throughout its life.

🇯🇵 A TRUE JAPANESE TIME CAPSULE

What makes this particular STI so special is not its rarity, but the remarkable originality it has maintained throughout its life.

Even the smallest factory details have been retained, including its original radio-delete configuration. The factory stereo wiring and speakers remain in place, but no stereo head unit was fitted.

Even the original cigarette lighter remains.

These seemingly insignificant details are precisely what make an original Japanese performance car so special to collectors and enthusiasts.

This is not a modified vehicle that has been returned to standard. It is an example that has remained original throughout its life.

PRESERVING ITS PAST. PROTECTING ITS FUTURE.

Our goal was simple: take an already incredible example to the next level without compromising the originality that makes it so special.

Rather than undertaking an extensive restoration or introducing modern modifications, a carefully considered minor restoration was completed with preservation at its heart.

The undercarriage has undergone professional dry ice blasting, carefully removing accumulated dirt, grime and contaminants while respecting the original factory finishes.

Following this process, the underbody and engine bay received protective preservation treatments designed to safeguard their condition and appearance for years to come.

The intention was never to erase the vehicle's history or make it something it wasn't.

Instead, we wanted to preserve the character, authenticity and journey this STI has experienced since leaving the Subaru factory in 1998.

🇯🇵 PERSONALISED NUMBER PLATES – 98TRV

98TRV – 1998 Type R Version V

A fitting finishing touch for this Japanese performance icon.

These personalised NSW number plates perfectly complement the vehicle's model year, Type R designation and Version V heritage.

✅ THE GOOD STUFF

• Genuine 1998 Subaru WRX STI Type R Version V
• Rare factory two-door GC8 coupe
• Approximately 709 examples produced in Pure White (51E)
• One Japanese owner from 1998 to 2025**
• Verified mileage
• Original Japanese auction sheets and recorded grades
• Never modified – original factory specification
• Original factory radio-delete configuration
• Sympathetic preservation-focused minor restoration
• Undercarriage professionally dry ice blasted
• Underbody and engine bay preservation treatments
• NSW registered
• Personalised NSW plates – 98TRV
• Highly collectible Japanese performance icon

🏁 JDM PERFORMANCE & HERITAGE

🔥 FACTORY STI ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

• 2.0L EJ207 Phase II Turbocharged Boxer Engine
• 206kW (280PS) / 353Nm
• Japan's Legendary 280PS Gentleman's Agreement Era
• High-Revving Design – Approx. 8,000rpm Rev Limit
• Performance-Designed DOHC 16-Valve Cylinder Heads
• Lightweight Hollow-Stem Intake & Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves
• Factory Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Performance Pistons with Factory Oil-Jet Cooling
• Strengthened STI Bottom-End Construction
• Factory IHI VF28 Turbocharger
• Top-Mounted Intercooler with Factory Water Spray

⚙️ DRIVETRAIN & HANDLING

• 5-Speed Close-Ratio Manual Transmission
• Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD)
• Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Factory R180 Rear Differential
• Quick-Ratio 13:1 Steering Rack
• Factory STI Inverted Suspension Struts
• STI Performance-Tuned Suspension
• Carbon Fibre Factory Front Strut Tower Brace
• Factory STI Performance Braking System
• 4-Piston Front Brake Calipers
• Opposed-Piston Rear Brake Calipers

🏎️ LIGHTWEIGHT TYPE R BODY & STYLING

• Genuine Factory Two-Door Type R Coupe
• Lightweight Aluminium Bonnet
• Factory High-Rise WRC-Inspired Rear Wing
• Factory STI Aerodynamic Body Styling
• Factory Gold 16-Inch STI Alloy Wheels
• Lightweight Performance-Focused Construction
• Approximately 1,260kg Factory Kerb Weight
• Factory Pure White (51E) Exterior

⭐ FACTORY INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT

• Electric Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors
• Factory STI Sports Seats
• Factory STI Instrument Cluster
• Factory STI Sports Steering Wheel
• Factory Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Windows
• Power Steering
• Central Locking
• Original Factory Radio-Delete Configuration
• Original Factory Stereo Wiring & Speakers
• Original Factory Cigarette Lighter
• Original Japanese-Market Interior

🇯🇵 JAPANESE MOTORSPORT HERITAGE

• Genuine Japanese Domestic Market STI
• GC8F2DD Type R Version V
• Developed During Subaru's Legendary WRC Era
• Motorsport-Inspired Chassis & Drivetrain Engineering
• One of Subaru's Most Iconic 1990s Performance Coupes

💡 WHY THIS ONE?

✔ Genuine and increasingly rare Type R Version V

✔ Exceptional 27-year single-owner Japanese history

✔ Verified mileage and supporting Japanese documentation

✔ Never modified or altered from its original specification

✔ Legendary 206kW EJ207 turbocharged performance

✔ Factory DCCD all-wheel-drive system

✔ Rare lightweight two-door STI configuration

✔ Carefully preserved rather than extensively restored

✔ An increasingly difficult-to-find collector's example

🇯🇵 PRESERVED FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Cars like this are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that have survived nearly three decades without modifications and retain such an extraordinary ownership history.

This STI was already an incredible example when it arrived in Australia. Our objective was never to reinvent it, but to take an already exceptional vehicle to the next level through careful preservation and attention to detail.

We believe the greatest value in a vehicle like this is not simply how it presents today, but the originality, authenticity and history it has managed to retain along the way.

With its remarkable Japanese provenance, verified mileage, original factory specification and sympathetic preservation work, this WRX STI represents a special opportunity for a collector or enthusiast.


🔒 IMPORTANT – INSPECTIONS & ENQUIRIES

Due to the rarity, originality and collectible nature of this vehicle, **test drives will not be permitted.**

Proof of funds is required prior to arranging a private inspection.

Inspections are strictly by appointment only. Genuine buyers and serious enquiries are welcome.

Further images and videos available, along with undercarriage images

💰 EXTRAS

✔ Finance available
✔ Trade-ins welcome
✔ Interstate enquiries welcome

📍 Located Newcastle, Mayfield West 2304 NSW

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private inspection.

Used Car Hub.com.au

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