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19.08.2019
Just on the outskirts of Tokyo is a seemingly regular Subaru dealership. But first impressions can be deceiving. While you can buy a car here on the ground floor, it’s the second floor we’re more intrigued by. Once you enter, you immediately realize this isn’t just any Subaru dealer: Welcome to the Mitaka STI Headquarters, the home of Subaru Tecnica International.
The Mitaka STI Gallery is a small, but world-famous museum displaying some of Subaru and STI's most iconic highlights. Although only five cars are exhibited in the gallery, it quickly becomes clear that quantity isn’t what matters here. On display are a variety of Subaru cars, from the ordinary but stunning WRX STI S208 to the most legendary vehicles they have ever produced. Beginning with the Subaru Legacy Group A, the car that won Subaru’s first rally in New Zealand in 1993 and the start of their long and successful story in racing. Of course, the car was driven by none other than rally legend Colin McRae. Next to it, an equally legendary car: the iconic Subaru Impreza 555. Only few race car liveries match the reputation of the yellow and blue 555 Subaru’s.
The Gallery also shows more recent vehicles, such as the Subaru WRX STI that went on to win its class during the 24 Hours Nürburgring back in 2016, the start of new racing success. Apart from different motorsport related attributes, the most remarkable thing at the heart of all of these cars remains the 2.5L boxer engine, similar to the one still in use in the current WRX.
The biggest highlight of the Gallery is, of course, the true Subaru unicorn: the Subaru Impreza 22B STI. And not just any version of the 22B, but the chassis number 0000 prototype: A car that makes every Subaru enthusiast from around the globe travel all the way to the Mitaka STI Gallery just to see it. STI was kind enough to hand us the keys to their showstopper; however, sadly enough, we weren’t allowed to take it for a spin.
The Mitaka STI Gallery is open to the public at no cost and it is a true Subaru boxer heaven - a must-see for every fan! In the meantime, you can always enjoy our own gallery:
