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Japanese manufacturers have a habit of withholding some of their most appealing cars from US shores. The Subaru Legacy STI S402 was one of the most notable: Only 402 examples were built for the Japanese domestic market in 2008, which means we’ll have to wait until 2033 to import them Stateside one. But in the meantime, there’s a modified 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B up for grabs over on Bring a Trailer that should hold you over quite nicely.
For one thing, as only 300 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B examples were built, this car is even more rare than the STI S402. For another, with all the modifications under the hood — Stage I IAG short block with forged pistons and STI rods, IHI VF52 turbocharger, Cobb 1,000cc injectors and fuel pump — this spec.B puts down even more power than the S402, with the dynamometer recording 318 horsepower and 338 lb-ft of torque compared to the S402’s 281 hp and 289 lb-ft. To help keep that all power under control, the seller also added super sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires housing slotted brake rotors, paired with H&R sport springs at all four corners. To top off the experience, the owner also added a six-speed manual from a WRX STI.
Buying highly-modified used cars can be dicey, given the non-factory work under the hood and to the chassis. However, seeing as the work, in this case, was done by a professional tuning shop — and that the highest bid currently sits at $4,200 — the risk might be worth the reward. Unless you think your patience can really hold out for 14 more years.
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