Colin McRae’s Subaru Impreza Heads to UK Auction

A notable piece of British rally history is about to go up for auction, and surprisingly, it might be more accessible than many expect.

This 1996 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000, listed in the UK, carries a direct link to one of the sport’s most legendary families.

Registered as N489 SOC, this isn’t just any Impreza. It started out as an official Subaru UK press car, making it one of the earliest models in the country to feature a bonnet scoop.

After its brief period serving the media, it ended up with the McRae family, where it stayed from 1996 until 1999.

A time when Subaru was at its peak in the World Rally Championship, following Colin McRae’s 1995 drivers’ title and subsequent manufacturers’ wins through 1997.

What makes this car more than just another classic Impreza is its backstory.

It’s believed that Colin, Jimmy, and Alister McRae all got behind the wheel during its time with the family.

Adding to its authenticity are signatures from Jimmy, Alister, and Max McRae on the sun visors, a rare detail that deepens the car’s connection to Subaru’s rally heyday.

Now up for sale through Iconic Auctioneers’ Classic Sale, this Impreza carries an estimate of £15,000 to £20,000—remarkably close to its original price when new in the mid-90s.

This is striking when you consider the escalating prices elsewhere; for context, Iconic Auctioneers recently sold Colin McRae’s 1998 Subaru Impreza STi 22B for a staggering £480,500.

That shows how much value McRae-associated cars can command.

Rob Hubbard, director at Iconic Auctioneers, points out that McRae-linked vehicles tend to draw significant attention.

However, this particular car stands out due to its early UK specs, its history as a press car, and genuine family ownership.

For those interested in rally heritage or Subaru’s golden era, it offers a rare opportunity to own a car that balances everyday usability with significant historical importance.

In a market where 1990s performance cars continue to spark nostalgia and demand, this Impreza presents a quietly compelling chance.

Once it slips into a private collection, opportunities like this might become even harder to find.

Gallery