Subaru Impreza GB270: Jamie’s Rare #284 of 300

TL;DR

1. Jamie owns a rare Subaru Impreza GB270, number 284 of only 300 produced.

2. The car features Prodrive upgrades from factory and carefully chosen mods.

3. A true collector’s edition, the GB270 celebrates Subaru’s rally dominance.

From Bikes to Subarus: The Petrolhead Journey

My name is Jamie Rimmington, I’m a 22-year-old CAD/CAM engineer from Lincolnshire, and cars have been in my blood from the start.

Me My dad and I have always been petrolheads. As a kid, I was more into off-road bikes, but that all changed in 2006 when my dad brought home his nearly new 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX Hawkeye. The first time I sat in it, I knew—one day, I’d have one too.

Of course, being too young to drive, I had to stick with bikes until I passed my test. The second I did, I dove straight into cars.

Early Cars and the Ford Scene

My first car was a 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.25 with a full “GTR” body kit and matching alloys—yes, that really exists! I even had to Google it myself to believe it.

Not long after, I traded up to a 2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec S, and that’s when things really kicked off. I joined the Lincs Ford Group, founded by Nick Parkin, and it became a family. We did everything together: Doncaster show, Mablethorpe show, Ford Fair, Ford Fest, and Trax.

Even though I drive a Subaru now, I’m still part of that family. Ford gave me my start, and one day I’ll own another.

The Subaru GB270: Rare Heritage on the Road

In 2019, I finally bought my dream— a 2007 Subaru Impreza GB270, number 284 of 300 saloon models (with another 100 wagons also built).

This model is special. Built in collaboration with Prodrive, it was designed to mark Subaru’s success in the WRC Rally GB. The name says it all: GB for Rally GB, 270 for the power output—270hp and 310 lb-ft, more torque than the STI of the same year.

From factory, the GB270 came fitted with:

• Prodrive performance map (270hp tune)

• Prodrive quickshift gearbox

• Momo gear knob

• Prodrive lowering springs

• Prodrive GT1 alloys

• Prodrive boost pipe

• Prodrive aero kit (front splitter, rear trim, spoiler)

• Prodrive exhaust system

• Stainless steel mesh grilles

• Numbered plaque confirming its limited build

It’s the last of the classic Impreza saloons before Subaru moved to the hatchback era, making it even more desirable to enthusiasts and collectors.

My Modifications and Upgrades

Since buying it, I’ve carefully added my own touch while respecting its rare heritage.

• Brakes: fully refurbished Brembos with new stainless pistons, boots, and OEM stickers, paired with HEL braided lines, Brembo pads, and discs.

• Wheels: refurbished and powder-coated in the classic Subaru gold finish, ceramic-coated with Gtechniq C4, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4s.

• Extras: Prodrive mud flaps, Forge blow-off valve, Japspeed angled exhaust, aftermarket boost gauge.

• Interior tech: Replaced the original cassette player with a modern Android head unit—now I’ve got OBD connectivity, Torque app, a reverse camera, and endless app options.

I’ve also invested in multiple security upgrades, because owning something this rare means protecting it.

Why the GB270 Is Special

To most people, my Subaru might just look like a typical blue WRX with gold wheels. But car enthusiasts know better. With only 300 saloons and 100 wagons ever built, the GB270 is a piece of Subaru history.

Our community even has a dedicated GB270 Owners Club, keeping the spirit of these limited editions alive. The official club history sums it up perfectly:

“In 2007, the GB270 was developed as a special edition Impreza WRX. In collaboration with Prodrive, a run of 300 saloon cars and 100 wagons were produced to celebrate Subaru’s achievements in WRC events. These vehicles symbolise all that Subaru intended when the original Impreza hit our streets in 1992.”

Looking Ahead

While the GB270 is my pride and joy, I still dream big. My ultimate dream cars? A 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R in silver or blue, or a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback (Eleanor).

But for now, owning one of the rarest Subaru models built feels like more than enough.

For anyone who loves Subaru heritage, I’d recommend checking out the first-ever Subaru issue of Modified Car Magazine, a milestone release celebrating this iconic brand: Subaru Special Edition.

You can also find more JDM legends in our printed editions:

• Stance Auto Magazine July 2025

• Stance Auto Magazine The 90s JDM Classics

• Modified Car Magazine: The JDM Issue

• Japanese Classic Cars Vol. 2

Author Bio

Paul Doherty is the founder and editor of Stance Auto Magazine, passionate about connecting drivers with their perfect cars. From car reviews to deep dives into automotive news, Paul leads a team dedicated to bringing the culture of stance and community builds to a global audience.

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