The Subaru Technica International Type R is THE most interesting and sought after of the classic shape Imprezas. The classic coupe is the connoisseur`s Impreza - finely honed for maximum performance and capability, this is the most impressive of the breed. STi Version 6 Type R denotes this is a lightweight competition spec. 2 door model. This version 6 model was only made for the Japanese market, with the UK P1 model sold in the U.K. during the same period, but of lesser spec. Version 6 was the very last of the breed, only sold in small numbers in Japan. It's now a collector's piece here, with examples such as this completely corrosion free example being particularly sought after. Today, to import a genuine STi 6 Type R V-Limited in this condition and mileage to U.K., would cost roughly what red Tommi Makkinens are now making, realistically speaking. A lot more than this example is offered at, in other words. The STi 4 Type R (upon which this car was based) is essentially mechanically the same as the STi 6 Type R. From 1997 to 2000, the STi Type R coupe models were of the best specification of all & were built & supplied exclusively to the Japanese domestic market. The Japanese know a good thing & we have continuously watched values rise steadily, especially over the last 3-4 years as modern replacements have become less exciting with more weight & nannying electronics. Naturally, as domestic demand for high-quality well-preserved examples outstrips supply, these coupes have strengthened in price in Japan by over 100% over the last 2 years (All classic STi Imprezas have, the later & more exclusive, the higher their values are climbing, with the nearly mechanically identical 22B already at unreachable stratospheric values). Note that the STi Type R, whilst the equivalent of the P1 model official sold in the UK, is actually better in the real world. Bear in mind that the U.K. supplied cars will have been through roughly 20 years of use on roads there, they've all suffered from the ravages of road conditions and being exposed to the electrolytic salts and moisture retentive mud, sand and grit that cause such cars to rust. In comparison, even a collector customer’s low mileage U.K P1 we inspected after he’d unknowingly purchased it, turned out to be riddled with corrosion lurking beneath & in the engine bay. Whilst mechanically & externally they're the same, interior wise, the P1 carried over the STi 3's dashboard and other features, whilst the Japanese examples were updated with each passing year. To any clued-up enthusiast wanting the best, a UK P1 would usually be a poor substitute for what can be possible with this low mileage example, direct from Japan. It's clear this is one of the finest enthusiast owned examples we've come across in recent years here in Japan. The condition is outstanding, due to the care & attention the previous keeper lavished on it, but not least it's a rust-free car since new, with very low original mileage.