One of the most significant rally racers ever made, now available at auction.
Updated 9/29/21: the auction for this vehicle has closed, but unfortunately, Lloyds Auctions did not publish the results. We've reached out, and will post any information if we hear back.
These days, it seems like you can find Subarus running in just about every four-wheeled motorsport under the sun. However, all of them owe a debt to the '90s-era Imprezas that blazed a trail of Six-Star glory through the World Rally Championship. One such icon was just unearthed, and now, it's headed to auction with an estimated value of AU$1 million ($726,050 at current exchange rates, 9/20/21).
What we have here is an ultra-rare 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A race car, considered one of the most important rally cars ever made. This particular vehicle (chassis PRO STi 94.006, body 007, engine 94 PD.01) was driven by rally legends Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz, the latter of whom wheeled it a third-place finish at Monte Carlo in '94. This vehicle was also the first to wear the iconic L55REP number plates.
This epic slice of Subaru rally history is now up for grabs through Australian auction house Lloyds Auctions.
"When we originally saw this car, it was a barn find with an estimated value of AU$15,000 - AU$20,000," said Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer for Lloyds Auctions. "Today it's had a wash and a check of its history, and it may well be worth more than AU$1 million."
This original Subaru rally machine now sits unrestored and untouched since it was officially retired in 1996, with three owners in its history since it was raced. It's one of 63 vehicles commissioned by Prodrive, and it retains its original turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Prodrive six-speed gearbox and drivetrain, and all the lovely patina expected of a battle-hardened rally weapon.
As of this writing, the current highest bid is a mere AU$118,000 ($85,674 at current exchange rates), but with more than five days left in the auction, expect that number to rise considerably. Check back next week for the final selling price.
Commentaires