This rather lovely Subaru Impreza P1 could be yours for less than £20k

It’s been used daily, we’re told, and is therefore not a climate-controlled garage resident. It is a slightly used but mechanically ‘solid’ Subaru Impreza P1 being offered up for auction.

And for less than the price of a well-optioned supermini – potentially, maybe, who really knows anymore – this cult classic could be sitting in your driveway ready to hoover up any remaining retirement funds in service of a light restoration.

It’s a 2000 model-year P1, one of just 1,000 built. Yes, it’s a very rare car indeed, but then you don’t need us to remind you of this thing’s status. The listing – over on Car and Classic’s auction site – tells us a full engine rebuild was carried out back in 2015, including proper machine work and skimming on the block halves and heads.

It was then rebuilt with OEM and uprated parts in service of durability as opposed to MegaHorsepowerz. Things like Mahle pistons, a nitrided crank with ACL race bearings, Cosworth gaskets, new spark plugs and a cambelt, better silicone hoses and a Toyo Sport intercooler. “An exceptional rebuild,” we’re assured.

It starts and runs, which is a good… start. The exterior will need a once over. As will the wheels. And maybe the inside, too. Everything’s in order and it all works – the wheel turns, the pedals move, the seats, um, seat, that sort of thing – but it’s all a little tired. Unsurprising, when you consider there’s over 155,000 miles on the clock.

“It is an ideal project car for the right buyer,” says the listing, “and would be a very good investment once restored to top condition due to the rare nature of the vehicle.” Indeed, at an expected auction price of less than £20k, this is a much cheaper way to scratch the P1 itch.