Builds

Classic Imprezas in the spotlight.

Here for GC8 inspiration, a 2.5RS project, or a closer look at another classic Impreza? Browse the cars, then send us yours. Stock dailies and unfinished builds are welcome.

Know the cars / The 2.5RSTI guide

What’s behind the badge?

From the 2.5RS to the 22B. Compare classic Impreza models, spot the special editions and learn what the badges mean.

Explore the guide

1998 22B STI. Full-car front three-quarter view. · Photo: Collecting Cars · Image source

Owner stories & classic Imprezas

Browse the cars.

Dave Mann blue 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS driving on a rural road. · Photo: Amee Reehal / TractionLife

Built with friends

Dave Mann’s 1998 Impreza 2.5RS

A failed engine gave Dave the starting point for a classic coupe built around rally inspiration and time behind the wheel.

Toby's blue Type RA at the start of his project. · Photo: Toby Thyer / Speedhunters

The long drive home

Toby Thyer’s 1999 Impreza WRX Type RA 555 Limited

An auction purchase, an 800 km drive and a list of jobs ahead. Toby’s GC8 story starts where plenty of ours do: with a car worth the work.

James's white Type RA on an Irish hillside. · Photo: Cian Donnellan / Speedhunters

Rally influence, original parts kept

James’s 1995 Impreza WRX STI Type RA

A white Version II Type RA with thoughtful upgrades and a link to Irish rallying, photographed by Cian Donnellan.

Richard yellow Club Spec Evo 4 GC8, rear three-quarter exterior view. · Photo: Artisan Ape; photos show FMZ Visuals / Artisan Ape watermarks except source hero PNG

A car worth keeping

Richard’s Impreza WRX Club Spec Evo 4

Richard kept his yellow Impreza through daily driving, track days and two engine failures, building a car he wanted to keep.

Jamie Flett beside the S5 WRC replica shell in The Project workshop. · Photo: Paddy McGrath / Speedhunters (visible watermark)

S5 inspiration, years of work

Jamie Flett’s Impreza WRX STI Type R

Jamie’s Type R project follows the S5 WRC idea through stripped bodywork, custom parts and years of detailed workshop updates.

Built to be driven

Tyler Witte’s Impreza: The Great GC8

Tyler’s original film puts his Impreza to work, while a later feature explains the competition roots behind the build.

Engine bay of Dave Mann STI-swapped 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. · Photo: Amee Reehal / TractionLife

The small jobs matter

Classic Impreza build details worth a closer look

A closer look at the engine bays, interior details and practical work that make a classic Impreza worth spending time with.

Front of Jamie Flett S5 WRC replica shell on stands. · Photo: Paddy McGrath / Speedhunters (visible watermark)

Every stage has a story

Your Impreza project does not have to be finished

Jamie Flett’s long-running Type R project is a reminder that the work in progress can be worth sharing too.

Start with the purpose

Planning a classic Subaru Impreza build

Daily driver, restoration or weekend project: decide what you want from your classic Impreza before building the parts list.

Rally shape, circuit purpose

Naoki Takigashira’s 1997 Impreza WRX STI

Naoki’s widened red coupe brings a WRC-inspired shape to Tsukuba, where this classic Impreza was photographed by Speedhunters.

From the wider Subaru community