How Subaru Impreza Became a Rally Icon

Jun 25, 2023

How Subaru Impreza Became a Rally Icon

Richard Burns' iconic Subaru Impreza WRC, which was sold for 610.000 Sterlings. An iconic rally car which legendary driver Burns had driven for 1999/2000 World Rally Championship.

The Subaru Impreza is a car that has become synonymous with rally racing. Originally introduced in 1992, the Impreza quickly made a name for itself by dominating the World Rally Championship. To this day, the Impreza is a beloved car among car enthusiasts and rally fans alike. But how did the Impreza become such an icon in the world of rally? In this blog post, we will explore the history of the Impreza and its success on the rally circuit.

 

1/24 Scale plastic model of the iconic Impreza, produced by Japanese scale model company Tamiya. A must have kit if you are a fan of Impreza.


The Impreza's success in rally racing can be attributed to its impressive performance and handling. With its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine, the Impreza was able to handle the toughest rally stages with ease. The car's nimble handling and quick acceleration meant that it was able to navigate hairpin turns and rough terrain with ease. As a result, the Impreza became the car to beat on the rally circuit.

But it wasn't just the Impreza's performance that helped it become a rally icon. The car's distinctive design also played a role in its success. The Impreza's boxy shape and aggressive styling made it instantly recognizable on the rally circuit. The car's iconic hood scoop and rear wing served a functional purpose by helping to cool the engine and improve downforce, but also made the car stand out from the competition.

 

Colin McRae's legendary 1995 Impreza, which won the WRC title of that year. McRae and Subaru was a match made in heaven, legendary rally driver won several titles with Subaru. 

One of the most notable moments in the Impreza's rally history came in 1995 when Colin McRae won the World Rally Championship driving an Impreza. McRae's victory helped to cement the Impreza's status as a rally icon and inspired a whole new generation of rally fans. McRae's success was followed by a string of victories for the Impreza in the late 90s and early 2000s, including three consecutive WRC titles from 1995 to 1997.

 

1998 Subaru Impreza was a huge hit in consumer market, McRae's performance skyrocketed the sales of Impreza as motorsports enthusiasts rushed to buy the iconic vehicle which debuted with an affordable price. Burns' performance further boosted the sale of the car during the dawn of the millenium.

The Impreza's rally success also helped to drive sales of the car in the consumer market. As the car became more popular among rally fans, it also gained a cult following among car enthusiasts. The Impreza's distinctive design and impressive performance made it a favorite among enthusiasts who were looking for a car that was both functional and stylish.


In the end, the Impreza's success in rally racing is a testament to its impressive performance, distinctive design, and the skill of the drivers who piloted it to victory. The car's dominance on the rally circuit helped to make it a beloved car among car enthusiasts and rally fans alike. Today, the Impreza continues to be a popular car among enthusiasts, and its legacy as a rally icon will no doubt continue for years to come.