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The P1, received rave reviews and has gained a cult status.
Based on the Impreza WRX STi Type R, the P1 featured a chassis better suited to European roads and driver characteristics.
Offered only as a two-door saloon with a revised version of the rally-going engine with re-calibrated electronic controls to develop no less than 280bhp, 69bhp more than the standard Impreza Turbo.
Combined with a big-bore exhaust, quick-shift gear linkage, 17-inch titanium-finish alloy wheels and freshly tweaked suspension, the P1 is something rather special.
Subaru (UK) had a clear goal when developing the new P1, to make the top Impreza faster than the Lancer Evo VI.
The P1 was only offered in Sonic Blue, a colour similar to the World Rally cars, with detailed differences from the cooking Impreza Turbo such as the front and rear spoilers styled by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens. Mirrors, door handles and side skirts are colour-matched to the body and lighting is thanks to the huge Hella 90mm driving lamps, again from the rally car.
Performance is stronger than you’d expect even from a car that packs a claimed 280bhp and weighs just 1,295kg. Even today the P1 is devastatingly quick cross country. 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph does not convey how rapid the P1 feels when the turbocharger comes in, the steering weights up beautifully and the car slides all four wheels, it so addictive.
Torque, was also increased substantially from 214lb/ft to 260lb/ft, at the same 4,000 rpm.
Driving our P1 for any distance and it’s hard to escape the notion that this is quite simply one of the best cross-country cars ever produced.
The car’s condition and originality is supported by an almost complete history of MOT’s, its original handbook and service book, supporting invoices and correspondence from various owners.
