1997 WRC SUBARU IMPREZA SAFARI
‘P8 WRC’ won the 1997 Safari Rally in the hands of Colin McRae and Nicky Grist. We returned it to the exact specification and livery in which it took to the Nairobi starting ramp.
VEHICLE PROVENANCE
On the 3rd, March 1997, Colin McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist won the Safari Rally (Kenya) in their Subaru Impreza World Rally Car 97-008. Specialist drivers were used to perfection to ensure SWRT won the FIA World Rally Championship Manufacturers’ title by a comfortable margin of 23 points.
1997 was the first season running to the more attractive WRC car regulations; it featured wider bodywork and increased wheel travel. Probably the most desirable World Rally Car of the time it is defined by its winning performance at the Safari Rally event, and its individuality; extra frontal protection, daytime running lights, air intake snorkel, high ride height, rear towing strap and, far more importantly, Colin McRae and Nicky Grist – two legends of rallying.
After winning in Kenya, the car finished 2nd in Argentina, but then retired in Indonesia where Colin went off the road, damaging the car’s radiator, which overheated the engine and led to a small engine bay fire. After returning to Prodrive in Banbury, UK for a full rebuild, it was purchased by a private driver.
‘P8 WRC’ went on to compete in rallies all over the world in the hands of more drivers for almost 20 years before returning ‘home’ to Banbury for a full restoration in 2021.
BODYSHELL REPAIR
The key parameter was to protect as much of the original bodyshell as possible to ensure maximum originality. A total of 1150 hours were spent getting the bodyshell back to how it would have been in 1997.
BODYSHELL PAINT
It was a huge milestone to reach the painting phase, the car was painted at Prodrive’s Rooksley facility, this ensured the correct shade and quantity of paint was used, finishes were as close as possible to the original specification.
Engine Rebuild
Together with original drawings and parts, Tony Hawtin who built the engine originally was once again tasked with taking responsibility for the restoration of the engine, this included stripping, inspection, cleaning, crack testing, parts order, build and dyno.
DRIVETRAIN REPAIR
The transmission was in relatively good condition, however casings had to be stripped of all ferrous components to allow a new chromate surface finish to be applied, once done the rebuilding process could take place. The rear differential required new casings. Driveshafts and prop shaft were crack tested, then put through the sub assembly process, replacing service parts as required.
ELECTRONICS RENEWAL
The chassis loom was stripped of all connectors, pins were replaced, sleeving repaired then all circuits were tested. Due to severe damage the engine loom had to be replaced. This required powering up the Windows 95 Prodrive PC that runs the original loom drawing CAD software. Major units were checked for functionality and the logger was returned to GEMS for a full rebuild, a 256kb PCMCIA data card with the correct “write to” speed was located and checked on shakedown.
BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Brakes were standard gravel specification. A number of suspension components were specific to the Safari Rally. Extra long gravel springs were utilised to increase the ride height of the car and spring rates were 25 percent stiffer to compensate for the extra weight of the vehicle and rough conditions.
SHAKEDOWN & SET UP
The shakedown driver was David Lapworth, who has for forty years been Prodrive’s Technical Director. David was present on the 1997 Safari Rally, he stood on the finish ramp next to Colin and Nicky.
Once the shakedown was complete, job lists were confirmed and a full set up took place, ensuring target values met the Safari Rally 1997 set up sheet for ride height, camber, toe settings and brake bias etc.
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2023
Colin’s father, Jimmy, drove the car up the hill during the Festival, delivering a fitting and emotional end to the restoration story.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
BtGoodwood Festival Of Speed Goodwood, England 13th – 16th July 2023 Photo: Drew Gibson
BtGoodwood Festival Of Speed Goodwood, England 13th – 16th July 2023 Photo: Drew Gibson
GET IN TOUCH
If you have an ex-Prodrive car you want meticulously restored to its original glory, please complete the form here and one of our Prodrive Legends team will be in touch.
*Required fields