26/08/2026
1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version 3 £23,500
Genuine JDM GC8D2DD – 1 of 522 Produced – 132,000 km / 82,000 miles – MOT until July 2027
AMM International are pleased to offer this well-preserved 1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version 3, one of just 522 examples produced.
A genuine Japanese-market GC8D2DD Type R, this car combines the lightweight 2-door coupe shell with the EJ20K engine, VF23 turbocharger, 5-speed manual gearbox and factory DCCD four-wheel-drive system.
Finished in the original 230 White, it remains largely to its original specification and represents one of the most desirable and analogue generations of the classic Impreza STI.
Specification: Genuine GC8D2DD WRX STI Type R -1997 Japanese-market car – 2-door coupe – EJ20K 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four- VF23 turbocharger – Factory-rated 280 PS – 5-speed manual gearbox – Factory DCCD – Factory 230 White – Gold STI wheels – 555 STI / SWRT interior – V3 STI three-spoke steering wheel – Early V3 dashboard – Blue STI instrumentation – Electric mirrors – Intercooler water spray – Factory 4-pot front brakes – STI suspension and control arms – Air conditioning – HKS exhaust – Largely original specification
Condition & History: The standout feature of this particular Type R is the condition of the shell and underside.
The underside is exceptionally clean and original for a 1997 GC8. The car has never been welded, with the chassis, floors, boot floor, inner arches and structural areas all presenting extremely well.
It also benefits from: Exceptionally clean original underside - Never welded - No significant corrosion to the chassis or structural areas - Clean boot floor – Clean engine bay - STI control arms - Refurbished brake calipers
There is a very small amount of bubbling beginning on the rear arch, limited to only a few small spots. We mention this for complete transparency, as genuine cars of this age should be described honestly.
Importantly, the chassis and structural areas remain exceptionally clean and unwelded, something becoming increasingly difficult to find on these cars.
The car comes with a very good Japanese history file and documentation, and is believed to have been a one-owner car in Japan before export.
Imported into the UK in 2019, it has subsequently remained with the same UK owner. It has been garaged and sparingly used, hence the mileage still being displayed in kilometres.
The car also has a clean UK MOT history
The car drives extremely well. The clutch feels excellent, the engine pulls strongly and there are no knocks or bangs or apparent oil leaks.
The HKS exhaust sounds fantastic, giving the car that unmistakable classic STI soundtrack without being excessively loud.
The timing belt has also been completed.
As part of the final recommissioning prior to sale, the car is receiving a new power steering pump and comprehensive service, including: Engine oil and filter - Gearbox oil - Spark plugs
The early Version 3 Type Rs are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly genuine examples that have avoided heavy modification, significant corrosion and structural welding.
For us, this car has the combination that makes these early STIs particularly desirable:
These are lightweight, analogue performance cars that offer an experience very different from modern performance machinery.
Finding a genuine, clean and largely original V3 Type R is becoming increasingly difficult, and examples with an exceptionally clean, unwelded shell are particularly sought after.
AMM International welcome independent inspections and encourage any genuine prospective buyer to inspect the vehicle properly.
A deposit can be taken to secure the vehicle while the final preparation is completed.
For further information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact AMM International
