The Impreza 22B STI was only produced for five months in 1998, and all the 22Bs were sold in a span of 48 hours. In an era when the internet and social media hadn’t gone mainstream, that was indeed a significant feat.

Another reason why all the Impreza 22B STIs made were sold quickly is because only 400 examples were made, making it an ultra-rare Subaru. All of them were right-hand-drive, as they were all built for the Japanese market.

As mentioned, Subaru was the manufacturer to beat during the mid to late 90s era of the World Rally Championship. Since they used the Impreza Rally Car full-time in 1994, they immediately found success a year later when Colin McRae brought home the drivers’ crown.

Furthermore, the Subaru World Rally team won three straight manufacturers’ titles from 1995 to 1997. To commemorate this success and to celebrate Subaru’s 40th anniversary, the 22B STI was born.

Road-going examples of the Impreza WRX STI always had either the twin-scroll turbo 2.0-liter EJ20 or the 2.5-liter EJ257, depending on the market where it is sold.

The 22B, however, had a bespoke engine called the EJ22G, a stroked-out version of the EJ20K STI engine with factory forged pistons. Although it was advertised with 276 hp following Japan’s Gentleman’s Agreement, the popular press often states the car feels like it has more than 300 hp.

Additional identifying marks of the 22B are the bespoke 17-inch wheels and additional vents on the hood.

One more thing that sets the 22B STI apart from other special-edition Imprezas is that it was only available in a coupe version. Only the WRX Type R and P1 models were the other high-performance Impreza coupes ever made.

The 22B STI wore the now-iconic blue and gold combination, which became a symbol for high-performance Subarus in later years.