Overview

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI sits among the most important Japanese performance cars ever produced, and this particular example is one of the rarest and most desirable variants of the entire lineage. Built as a limited production, motorsport influenced special, the RA-R took the already formidable STI platform and sharpened it further with focused engineering, weight saving measures and factory performance upgrades.

This example is a 2006 car, finished in Yellow with Black interior, and it shows just 27,300 km. Carrying a strong auction grade of 4.5 with B interior, it presents as a very well kept and highly collectible example of a model that rarely appears on the open market.

With its low mileage, striking colour and rarity, this is exactly the kind of Subaru that serious collectors and enthusiasts watch closely when it appears at auction.

Chassis number

• GDB-041607

Auction grade

• Overall grade 4.5
• Interior grade B

Mileage

• 27,300 km
• 16,964 miles

Engine and drivetrain

• 2.0 litre turbocharged boxer engine
• 6 speed manual transmission
• Symmetrical all wheel drive system

Registration

• First registered November 2006

Why this car matters

This car matters because it sits right at the top of the classic STI hierarchy. Built in very limited numbers for the Japanese market, the RA-R was a factory special created to celebrate Subaru Tecnica International’s motorsport pedigree and to deliver a more focused driving experience than the standard STI. Power was uprated, weight was reduced, suspension and braking were sharpened, and the entire package was aimed squarely at enthusiasts who wanted one of the most extreme road going Subarus of the era. As one of the final and most collectible GD chassis special editions, it has become a genuine benchmark car for Subaru collectors, and examples with low mileage such as this one are exceptionally hard to find.

Key features and equipment

• RA-R limited edition specification
• 2.0 litre turbocharged performance engine
• 6 speed manual gearbox
• Symmetrical all wheel drive system
• Brembo performance braking system
• STI tuned suspension
• Factory 18 inch alloy wheels
• STI performance interior trim
• Air conditioning
• Power steering
• Power windows
• ABS braking system

Additional options listed on the auction sheet

• Special RA-R engine specification
• Exclusive suspension tuning
• STI Genome 32 mm stabiliser
• Factory BBS style 18 inch wheels
• Dedicated performance specification unique to the model
• Owners manuals present
• Service history noted
• Spare key included

Condition overview

The vehicle presents well overall in line with its 4.5 auction grade. Exterior panels appear clean with only minor cosmetic imperfections recorded on the inspection diagram. The interior remains tidy and well preserved with only light wear visible, consistent with the mileage and age.

Inspector notes

• Seat creasing
• Light interior dirt and marks
• Door trim marks
• Wheel scratches
• Light surface corrosion to part of the underside
• Bonnet duct deformation
• Small scratches and dents
• These are minor age related and cosmetic observations rather than major structural issues

Maintenance and provenance

• Owners manuals included
• Service records noted
• Factory documentation supplied
• Spare key included
• Low mileage example
• Rare limited production model

Summary

The RA-R is one of the most collectible modern Subarus ever built, and demand for these cars continues to strengthen as more enthusiasts recognise just how special they are. With very limited production, strong factory specification, low mileage and a highly desirable colour, this example represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the standout STI models of the 2000s. Cars like this do not come up often, and when they do, they tend to attract serious attention.

Autoselecta price guide

Autoselecta expects bidding to begin around £25,000, but given the rarity, specification and collector demand surrounding this model, we believe this example could comfortably exceed the £50,000 mark and may help set the tone for future values.

Autoselecta listing

Autoselecta reviews thousands of Japanese auction cars every week to identify the rare, special and genuinely collectible examples worth watching. From homologation inspired Subarus to iconic Japanese performance cars, we focus on the vehicles that matter. If you are searching for a specific Subaru model, colour or specification, let us help find the right car and notify you when the best examples appear.