2004 LITCHFIELD TYPE 25 SUBARU STI (ONE OF 38)
2004 Litchfield Type 25 Subaru STI
'The greatest Impreza ever? You betcha.'
This is what Evo magazine had to say about the Litchfield Type 25 in May 2004 edition. Jethro Bovingdon, then road test editor proclaimed 'it's the best Impreza I've ever driven', placing it above the new WR1, the Spec C, and the P1 WR.
In August 2004, Autocar placed the Type 25 at no.2 in the Britain's Best Driver's car awards, ahead of such greats as the Porsche GT3RS, BMW M3 CSL, Lotus Exige and Caterham R500 Evo, and behind only the Noble M400.
In Autocar February 2004, Chris Harris called it
’The Best Impreza on Planet Earth’
Stated figures when new:
Price as standard: £33,995
Engine: flat 4 cels, 2457cc turbo
Power: 350bhp at 6900rpm
Torque: 356lb ft at 3650rpm
Power to Weight: 243 bhp per tonne
0–60mph: 3.9sec
Max speed: 160mph
T25WDW is #38 of just 38 cars built by Litchfield who imported highly specified JDM cars, transplanted the EJ20 motor with the federal spec EJ25 for more torque, which was further developed by Power Station, and revised suspension and steering to create what was widely regarded as the best Impreza ever built. OTR price was £36,123 with options including Anthracite wheels, track kit upgrade, STI pedals, Superguard, and Alpine ICE, as stated on the order form in the very comprehensive history folder
Now with around 72k miles, T25WDW has been cherished and maintained thoroughly and diligently by its 3 former keepers. In remarkable condition inside and out, it is ready to be enjoyed properly.
So how to improve the Best Impreza on Planet Earth? If the past 18 years has revealed one thing about the recipe for the T25, and indeed all fast Subarus from this point on, it is the potential fragility of the EJ25 motor. The extra torque the 2.5 affords over the earlier 2.0, and even 2.1 stroker engine is compromised by reliability worries. Thwaites Development Racing (TDR) have developed an ultimate spec for reliability, robustness and a base for big power in their forged closed deck build. This was the upgrade we decided on, which takes away any niggles in the mind and allows you to use the car as it was intended without worry.
Whilst this forged build is designed to take 450bhp plus, we opted to keep turbo and map close to Litchfield standard and just a little more potent at 360bhp and 346ft lb. We tend to agree with Evo magazine:
‘I don’t think the Type 25 needs any more power: It is stupendously, stupidly, awesomely fast’.
Service history:
• July 2022 – 71,834 miles –Thwaites Development Racing – oil and filter service, map edit and power run on dyno
• June 2022 – 71,036 miles – Thwaites Development Racing – TDR450+ Forged Engine Rebuild with 14mm head studs, forged Cosworth Pistons, closed deck conversion (warranted)
• Aug 2021 – 68,699 miles – GP Motors Teddington (Service)
• May 2020 – 66,280 miles – Synergy Supercars (Service, gearbox and differential oil, refurbished AST coilovers)
• May 2019 – 65,753 miles – TFS Racing (Service, coolant, cylinder head skimmed, Cosworth gaskets, exhaust repair)
• May 2018 – 62,127 miles - Performance Hub (Cambelt and auxiliary belt replacement)
• Nov 2017 – 60,870 miles - Roger Clarke Motorsport (Subaru specialist) - service, brake fluid change, STI oil cap and battery clamp
• Aug 2017 – 59,238 miles - Roger Clarke Motorsport (Subaru specialist) - new front frame assembly due to corrosion, RCM Manifold, STI lip spoiler, remap, underbody Waxoyl
• Dec 2016 – 56,675 miles - Roger Clarke Motorsport (Subaru specialist) - service, new radiator, gearbox and differential oil change, Exedy Hyper twin plate clutch
• Mar 2016 – 51,901 miles – Roger Clarke Motorsport (Subaru specialist) - brake discs and pads, tyres, wheel refurbishment, service, spark plugs, coil packs)
• Sep 2015 – 47,093 miles – Roger Clarke Motorsport (Subaru specialist) – service, fuel filter, neutral position switch, mapping session)
• Jul 2013 – 45,887 miles – Powerstation (New Subaru short engine, Cosworth forged pistons)
• Nov 2012 – 43,176 miles – Powerstation (Service, differential and gearbox oil, fuel filter)
• Dec 2010 – 38,187 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Nov 2008 – 31,331 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Apr 2008 – 28,614 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Jan 2008 – 26,741 miles – Powerstation (Cosworth head gasket, Cosworth head stud)
• Nov 2007 – 25,220 miles – Powerstation (Service, spark plugs, gearbox and differential oil)
• Jul 2007 – 20,891 miles – Powerstation (Service, brake pads)
• Jan 2007 – 16,227 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Nov 2006 – 14,011 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Apr 2006 – 9,127 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• Nov 2005 – Powerstation (Fit PSi3 unit and oil pressure and temperature kit)
• Oct 2005 – 4,902 miles – Powerstation (Service)
• May 2005 – 1,737 miles – Powerstation (Service)
Over the past 18 years, many great cars have come and go, and Subaru’s dominance in the WRC has subsided. After all this passing water, the resurgence of rally and homologation specials is now as vibrant as ever. Gazoo Racing’s Yaris (also since improved by Litchfield) has been responsible for much focus on the suitability of rally specials for the British road. Prodrive’s P25 take on the lauded Subaru 22B/WRC recipe has shown us just where the value could be for special rally inspired cars at £460k plus vat, and all 20 sold before manufacture. Record prices for Lancia Integrale Evo, Subaru P1 and 22B are an indication of where this sector could go, in our new world of EV.
Given the current enthusiasm this could be the performance bargain of the decade.
Sold
