Prototype Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B with just 80km to be auctioned

The very first prototype of the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B is set to head across the auction block this month – with less than 80 kilometres on its odometer.

Subaru revealed the Impreza WRX STI 22B at the 1997 Tokyo motor show – being chassis number 061819 – in celebration of the company's 40th anniversary and its third consecutive manufacturer's title in the World Rally Championship.

It was first of three prototypes to come with a 0/400 build plate, with the vehicle subsequently given to David Lapworth – the man at Prodrive responsible for the iconic wide-body rally car – with the other two given to rally champions Colin McRae and Nicky Grist.

David Lapworth's prototype 22B will be auctioned by Bonhams during the Monterey Car Week & Concours on 18 August in California – but just two weeks later, Colin McRae's 22B is set to be auctioned by Silverstone in the UK.

MORE: Colin McRae’s personal Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B for sale

While Silverstone Auctions has a price guide of £400,000 to £500,000 (approximately $AU750,000-$950,000) for the McRae 22B, Bonhams has a price guide of $US450,000 to $US550,000 ($AU673,000-$822,000) for the Lapworth 22B.

According to Bonhams, the Lapworth 22B has been kept in "as new" condition by all of its owners, driving a total of 79 kilometres and still fitted with its original Pirelli tyres.

The vehicle was previously known to have been for sale in Hong Kong in 2021 with just 55km on the clock, before ending up in the US with car collector Colton Amster – driving less than 30 kilometres in two years.

The auction will take place on 18 August 2023 as part of the The Quail Auction. For more information, click here.