1998 Subaru Impreza S5 WRC – “P2 WRC” began racing at the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally under the direction of Colin McRae with Silverstone Auctions, Stoneleigh Park, 25th February.
P2 WRC was originally mounted on Chassis 3 and was a works Subaru entry in the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, driven by the late, great Colin McRae and co-driver Nick Grist. Colin’s accident at the competition resulted in his DNF. The ‘P2 WRC’ was later coupled to Prodrive Chassis 21 and privately competed in Europe from 1998 to 2000, winning a number of events, including the 1998 and 1999 Hungarian Championship.
“‘P2 WRC’ is a fascinating piece of rallying history, and Silverstone Auctions is privileged to be asked to offer it to the public.”
Harry Whale of Silverstone Auctions Ownership then shifted from continental Europe to the United Kingdom with Mark Slater and Steven Fleck for a few events in 2001 and 2002 before Noel Redmond took it in 2003. The present owner purchased “P2 WRC” in 2004 and has owned it ever since, utilizing it as intended to compete in a number of rallies in 2005, 2006, and 2007 with outstanding performances against newer equipment.
It was then carefully preserved until 2015, when it was decided to pull it out of retirement and utilize it for exhibits and events, with the owner’s son performing the most of the driving. Wethersfield Stages Rally in 2016 and 2017, and its most recent public appearance was at Race Retro in 2020, are among the highlights of more recent appearances. The illustrious career of P2 WRC is detailed on this page.
The current owner purchased “P2 WRC” in 2004 and has owned it ever since, utilizing it to compete in a number of rallies in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Image courtesy of Silverstone Auctions.
Autosportif, according to our supplier, overhauled the engine and transmission a few hundred kilometers ago. Prior to our vendor’s long-term ownership, the vehicle was properly converted to right-hand drive by Stan Harper in order to better tackle the Irish stages. Edward has been preparing the car for the past seven years at EJM Preparations, his business. If the new owner so desired, the vehicle could be converted back to left-hand drive. P2 WRC is a well-known vehicle that has been featured in numerous videos and publicity materials; a quick trip to YouTube will reveal some stunning footage of this well-known vehicle.
P2 WRC is a genuine automobile. It has been used as planned, and the results achieved in recent years against modern technology demonstrate how far ahead of their time these particular cars were. This also represents a rare opportunity to continue using the car for events and exhibits as it is, or, with a little time and work, convert it back to its original specification as a time capsule of an important period in racing, having been driven by one of the sport’s most revered drivers.
As it was piloted by some of the best crews on the planet at the time and managed by one of the top motorsport organizations of all time, many in the motorsports community still consider this 2-door Subaru to be one of WRC’s all-time legends.
Colin McCrae’s Subaru Rally automobile.
Numerous members of the motorsports community continue to regard this 2-door Subaru as one of WRC’s all-time greats. Image courtesy of Silverstone Auctions.
Harry Whale adds, “The P2 WRC is a well-known 2-door Subaru WRC vehicle that is highly desirable on its own.” It has led a busy and intriguing life, and we believe it is all the better for it. It has been in private hands for nearly two decades, and its ties to the great Colin McRae make this an extremely unique opportunity to continue the interesting story of P2 WRC.”
1998 Subaru Impreza S5 WRC
»Silverstone Auctions is selling Colin McRae’s legendary Subaru rally vehicle«