Even before the post-celebratory Champagne had been mopped up from Subaru’s third consecutive WRC title in 1997, dealers – and drivers – were champing at the bit to see SUK’s next creation. Debuted in April of the following year, the ‘Terzo’ (Italian for third) was debuted to an expectant and happy public, with even more whistles and bells than before. Having seen the demand for previous specials, production was upped to 333 cars, numbered as previously from ‘1’, but always missing ‘13’. A lighter Blue Mica finish and gold 16” wheels gave rally fans the closest look yet to the WRC cars, while the non-folding rear seat added rigidity and the Alcantara seats added support. I wanted one. Badly. Another interesting geek fact on this car is that it was the first UK special to come with a Thatcham alarm as standard. As well as becoming the ‘must have’ car for all true petrol heads, SUK were well aware of the car’s similar position in the hearts of more nefarious would-be owners.


Paul Cowland 14 Nov , 2014