Overview of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
This is a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C V Limited 2005, chassis GH-GDB, offered at USS Tokyo as lot 65193 in the Famous Car Corner section on 8 October 2026. It carries blue paint (colour code 02C), a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, a six speed manual gearbox and four wheel drive. The odometer reads just 12,422 km, approximately 7,719 miles, and the sheet shows one owner from new. It has an auction grade of 4.5 and an interior grade of A.
The sheet describes it as one of a limited run of 350 cars. For anyone chasing a low mileage, honestly graded GDB Spec C, that combination of rarity, single ownership and under 13,000 km is uncommon. The auction start price is ¥5,980,000. Please see the price panel on this page for the live bidding figures.
The Drive Review
The GDB generation of the Impreza WRX STI is a car built around grip, response and a very direct connection between driver and road. The turbocharged flat four has the offbeat rumble Subaru is known for, with a strong mid range surge once boost arrives. A six speed manual and Subaru's driver controlled centre differential, which the DCCD display on this car's instrument cluster confirms, let you change how power is shared between the axles.
Spec C cars are the focused end of the range. They are aimed at drivers who want a sharper, more purposeful STI rather than a comfortable all rounder. Steering is quick and informative, the body stays flat, and the car rewards commitment on a damp or broken road in a way few modern performance saloons manage. It feels mechanical rather than filtered. The gearbox is notchy and positive, the pedals are weighted for real driving, and the engine and exhaust never let you forget what is happening under the bonnet.
Compared with a current performance car, there is less insulation, less electronic intervention and more feedback. That is exactly why enthusiasts still want one. This example also offers the rare chance to drive a GDB that has hardly been used.
Auction Details
Auction house: USS Tokyo. Lot number: 65193. Auction date in Japan: 8 October 2026. Section: Famous Car Corner. Auction grade: 4.5. Interior grade: A. Exterior grade: 4.5. Auction start price: ¥5,980,000. The sheet's inspection expiry box is blank. No Autoselecta guide bidding range has been set for this car, so please use the price panel on this page for the current bidding figures.
All bids must be submitted before 9PM UK time the evening before auction. For this lot that means the evening of Wednesday 7 October.
Vehicle Specifications
Manufacturer: Subaru. Model: Impreza WRX STI. Grade: WRX STI Spec C V Limited 2005. Chassis code: GH-GDB. Frame number: GDB-037008. First registered: August 2006 (Heisei 18). Body: four door hardtop saloon. Engine: 2,000 cc turbocharged petrol. Transmission: six speed floor manual. Drive: four wheel drive. Exterior colour: blue, code 02C, with no colour change. Seats: five. Dimensions: length 446 cm, width 174 cm, height 142 cm. Mileage: 12,422 km, approximately 7,719 miles. The sheet shows a recycling deposit of 13,090 yen. The car is right hand drive, as photographed.
Factory Features and Equipment
The sheet marks genuine alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, airbag and automatic air conditioning. The sales points list the roof ventilator, model specific white alloy wheels, a Duracon gear knob, a large rear spoiler and Brembo brake calipers. The photographs show the white wheels, the roof vent, the bonnet scoop, the front lip with STI badging, the large wing and gold calipers behind the wheels. The interior photographs show blue and black bucket style front seats, an STI branded steering wheel, a gear knob in a metal surround and an audio head unit. Navigation and ETC are not shown on the sheet or in the photographs.
Japanese Auction Report Translation
The auction sheet has been translated and checked by Autoselecta. The sheet title reads Famous Car Corner, a special section. It confirms a 4.5 grade, interior grade A, 2000 cc, chassis GH-GDB, first registration August 2006 (H18), four door hardtop, grade WRX STI Spec C V Limited 2005, four wheel drive, six speed floor shift, automatic air conditioning, petrol, blue exterior with colour code 02C and an odometer of 12,422 km. The inspection expiry box is blank. The new car service book box is also blank, so a maintenance book is not confirmed.
The sales points read: one owner, limited edition of 350 cars, roof ventilator, model specific white alloy wheels, Duracon gear knob, large rear spoiler, Brembo brake calipers and spare key present.
The inspector's report says the cabin is slightly dirty, and records small scratches and small dents. The points to note box has nothing written in it. The spare tyre drawing has no marks. No engine, gearbox, oil leak, rust or warning light comments appear on the sheet, and no modifications are recorded. Owner manuals are not mentioned.
Damage Diagram and Body Condition
The diagram shows seven marks, all minor. A1 at the front bumper is a small scratch. A1 at the rear bumper is also a small scratch. U1 on the bonnet is a small dent. U1 on the right front wing is a small dent.
On the right side there are two further marks. A U1 small dent and a U2 dent sit inside the dashed roof outline near its right edge, the U2 further rearward. The markers could relate to the roof or to the right side doors, and we cannot read this with certainty. The U2 is the largest mark on the car, so it is worth asking about before bidding. A U1 small dent appears near the left rear wheel, read as the left rear quarter panel, though this is also not certain.
There are no W repair marks, replaced panel marks, rust or corrosion codes. Overall this is clean, usable enthusiast condition leaning towards collector grade for a car of this age, with the minor dents and scratches typical of a 4.5 grade. The photographs show glossy blue paint and straight panels, with no obvious problems at auction size.
Interior Condition
The interior grade is A, and the inspector notes only that the cabin is slightly dirty. The photographs show a black dashboard, blue and black seats with no obvious damage, black carpet and a leather wrapped steering wheel with the STI logo. The instrument cluster is lit in orange, with a 9,000 rpm tachometer and a 260 km/h speedometer, and its odometer reads roughly 12,400 km. A driver's knee obscures part of the lower console, so the condition of the centre console trim and door cards should be checked in any extra images you request.
Japanese Auction Grades
A grade of 4.5 sits just below the very top of the scale and describes a car with only minor cosmetic marks. Interior grade A is the top interior mark. Together they point to a very well kept car, but the grades are an inspector's opinion rather than a guarantee of mechanical condition.
Model History of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The GD generation Impreza arrived in 2000 and the WRX STI followed with the EJ207 engine. The GDB covers the later facelifted cars, with the revised front end commonly called the Hawkeye. STI models carried the rally derived turbocharged flat four and four wheel drive that built Subaru's reputation in the World Rally Championship. The Spec C is a stripped back, sporting version of the STI, produced in small numbers for enthusiasts. This V Limited 2005 car, limited to 350 according to the sheet, belongs to that tradition.
Why This Model Has Become Collectible
Subaru no longer builds a saloon like this one. The GDB combines a turbocharged flat four, a manual gearbox, an adjustable centre differential and a strong rally heritage. Many were modified, driven hard or lost to accident and rust, so unmodified cars with documented single ownership are genuinely scarce. Limited editions and low mileage examples are the ones collectors seek, and demand comes from the UK, Europe, Australasia and beyond. Good cars are becoming harder to source from Japan. This is not an investment recommendation and no future value is promised.
What To Look For When Buying This Model
On any GDB with the EJ207, the first priority is engine health. Listen for knocking on a cold start, check for signs of detonation, and ask for evidence of oil changes and cooling system care, because a turbocharged engine that has been tuned or run hard can suffer piston damage. Check turbo condition, boost behaviour and any smoke on overrun. On the gearbox, feel for crunching into second and third and for any bearing whine, and check the DCCD operates as it should. Look for oil weeping around the engine and gearbox, rear arches and sills for corrosion, and the underbody for road damage. Tyre wear should be even on all four corners, which helps show the drivetrain and alignment are healthy.
On this car, the sheet asks you to look at the right side U2 dent, the bonnet and right front wing dents and the slightly dirty cabin. Because the service book box is blank, ask us for any additional images and plan a full service after arrival.
Why Import This Car From Japan
Japan produced the GDB in its original specification, and cars like this one often stay unmodified and low mileage under careful ownership. An auction sheet with an independent inspection gives an honest view of a car before you commit.
Ultimate Guide For Japanese Imports
Once you win a car, it is deregistered in Japan, prepared for export and shipped to your country. Import rules, inspection requirements and taxes differ in each market, so check the rules for a vehicle of this age in your own country before bidding.
Why Import Through Autoselecta
Autoselecta gives you direct access to Japanese auctions, with translated and checked auction sheets, vehicle sourcing, bidding assistance, export handling, shipping and import support, with vehicle tracking where available and clear communication throughout. We do not promise savings, only transparency and practical help at every step.
Browse This Week's Japanese Auctions
This Impreza is one of many Japanese performance cars offered each week. Browse the current listings to compare other STI models and sporting saloons.
Live Auction Search
Use the live auction search to find other Subaru Impreza WRX STI models by grade, mileage and year, or contact us to source a specific car.
Auction Caution
Auction cars are inspected before sale but are still used vehicles. The sheet is an independent condition guide, not a mechanical warranty. Older performance cars may need servicing, maintenance or refurbishment after purchase. For this car, the inspector notes a slightly dirty cabin and small scratches and dents, including the right side U2 dent, and the service book and inspection expiry boxes are blank.
