Just wanted to drop in a note, I was going to film an intro to this, but I have been slammed. It took quite a bit of convincing to get Ali to talk to us on camera, so to be respectful I shot from my hip without looking at the viewfinder the entire time and I just had a natural as possible conversation with him. Sorry for the terrible framing and audio. I just really wanted to tell his story. Enjoy.
The quality of content is unparalleled on youtube for cars. Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Honda need to take note and start producing heritage parts for these cars before it's too late. glad we have shops like these around the world putting in the effort to keep these classics alive.
Toyota recently started a heritage program through GR for the AE86. The parts are too expensive for what they are. I mean $1,050 usd left or right brake calipers. I just upgraded to a larger brake system for cheaper than what it would cost for a single caliper.
I feel bad that men like this , what seems to be a good honest man with a small business are being killed off worldwide by multi national corporations. I hope he flourishes and succeeds. May God Bless him and his family.
This is a true labor of love - just a total dedication to a cause that a vast majority of people would never even think of, let alone appreciate. Absolutely fascinating to see.
I was around in the Subaru forum world when the 22B was initially announced in Japan and remember every single retail 22B selling out as pre-sales. I wanted one soooooooo bad but all I was able to get was a GC8 4-Door RS. Man. Those were the days. This video brought a tear and a smile to my face. So glad to see people still in love with this car as much as I am.
Ali is a top guy, he swapped out a seized caliper on the front of my type r for one he refurbished when I was passing by one day. Only took few minutes and the caliper is still in perfect working order.
The serial number 000 22B prototype with the 2.0 engine was residing in Connecticut a couple of years ago. Had the pleasure of seeing it in person. Was in Redline Restorations and owned by @jdmsupreme
He’s got the cleanest workshop I’ve ever seen. His whole place looks like a dream to work in. Nice chap as well he gave me a shorter but similar tour when I was up there. What a place
No surprise with how meticulous Ali is that his numbers are spot on. Australia did get 5 and one went straight to Subaru Australia. A lot of people tend to fudge numbers and Subaru specific details so its rare to see especially on yt someone so accurate.
I built my 99 2.5RS into a 22B over the years. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a EJ22T for cheap back in the day and built it with V4 STi heads and cams.
I’m from newzealand and I tell you now there is no one that has their 22b subi that they are showing online. This car has been tucked away or atleast never shown online or taken to meets cos I’ve never seen a photo of it and surely I would know or someone I know would have heard about it. When he said that someone from NZ wanted to ship theirs to him it made me go whatttt. It’s cool to know that there is one somewhere though.
Following Ali on Facebook and his work is amazing. Just incredible to have a waiting list that long. I’m also waiting over 3 years now to get an racing engine for my Impreza. People want to know why all 80 and 90 cars went up in price? 20:19 Larry hits the nail on it’s head right there.
Amazing shop mates, I have a 2019 STi that I have done cosmetic mods on and now I am saving towards working on the engine, but I am living pay check to pay check, just a family man so might take me ten years to get what I need but I want to do it right, find a good shop like this and team up and do the work with my son's and build a dream car and some memories in the process, seeing vids like this let's all the rest of us see it is possible
This guy is a legend and i love what he does. I have less years of knowledge and experience but i love restoring the GC8s we have in the usa. I want to save as many as i can and see them around. I know alot of the gc8s body and mechanical work. I loved seeing that he and i agree on the P25 was sooo bad when it came out. It was trash and the newer version does look better i still cant see somebody paying the price. Way overpriced for the richest ppl. I do have loads of parts as well because alot of them are NLA at dealership.
Great vid. I have owned my 04 WRX wagon since 2003. Love it. Always thought about building a 22b from a GC8. Costs have gone to high to do a project like that now, unless it’s a labor of love.
Fantastic video - Many Thanks. The UK 22B website got serious grief from people bodging heavily damaged chassis, to make serious money from a once wrecked car.... 'cos they knew it's history mattered. Sadly I choose to buy an 02 STI when the 22B was hard to find at the same money back then - if I had found one it would be high mileage by now LOL....
my gc8 wrx version 5 is uk spec..the different between the jpanese version are the interior,aircon control,rear lights and the ecu.. Japanese is quicker(mostly maxout 180-200kmh) because of short ratios but uk version can go more than 240kmh)
Awesome shop! Working on making my own tribute 22b since I will never afford the current market value on the Subaru Impreza 22b (BAT sold one for $300k).
BTW The ex Mcrae 22b sold for £480,500 at Auction at the end of August 23. (Story from topgear ) Also one of the bigger sellers of 22b's in the UK is a company called "appreciating classics" AC are in the line for at least 2 of the P25's (most of the P25s got sold to those looking to flip them. Very very few private individuals put down a deposit)
I had a rare P1 and two 22bs sold the P1 for 14k and 22B for 23500 I paid 17500 for my last one that was shipped to the USA. Spotted one in Cyprus and Hong Kong that one most recent. There was a very rare Tommy Kaira bugeye low mileage Sti for sale in Cyprus that have the 2.2 engine it had covered 30k kms and the dealer wanted 10000 euros it was purchased and put back up for 30000
JDM Supreme has the 000 Prototype, also Im Australian and have seen 2 of the 5 Aussie 22B's in the Wild about 15 years ago, couldnt fuckin believe it even then
The UK has been very lucky with the cars we've had made available to us. UK spec Nissan Skylines for instance, they had better cooling & the R34 got Connolly leather seats. All of the Mitsubishi Evo special editions that we had that the rest of the world didnt. Now, we don't even get the new Nissan Z.
Off topic, is that your evo 4 in the pfp?? 😮 one of my dream cars! Pains me everytime I see an American driving one, in my area, to take back to the states, as they’re becoming more and more, less obtainable. 😢
@@Jjm2024-u3t Yes it was as a matter of fact. First UK owner, I had it for 6 years as my daily driver. It was fairly standard, ohlins dampers fitted by the last Japanese owner, I added a HKS Silent Hi-power exhaust & HKS panel filter. Great fun but it did need a new AYC diff, which failed on me two roundabouts from home. Luckily my Dad worked for Mitsubishi UK at the time so I got a brand new Evo VII diff for basically a couple of hundred pounds. I know what you mean by seeing these cars head stateside, these cars are designed for narrow tight twisty roads, not interstates.
@@Jjm2024-u3t I unfortunately sold it for a ridiculously low sum of money some time ago. It's not been on the road since 2016, I check the registration from time to time.
I'm watching all this and all I'm wondering is why Subaru (or any other manufacturer for that matter) itself doesn't manufacture parts for these cars? Is it a cost thing? Some obscure laws or restrictions? Just, why?
Just wanted to drop in a note, I was going to film an intro to this, but I have been slammed.
It took quite a bit of convincing to get Ali to talk to us on camera, so to be respectful I shot from my hip without looking at the viewfinder the entire time and I just had a natural as possible conversation with him. Sorry for the terrible framing and audio. I just really wanted to tell his story. Enjoy.
Never needs much convincing to talk does Ali LOL
Can’t you just take a sample of the red paint to a professional big company and they can see exactly what colour it is
I think the video was perfect as is, it just feels so authentic and genuine.
It’s all good! We, as normal people, want it authentic as possible! Thank you Mr Chen!
Thank you! This is incredibly special
The quality of content is unparalleled on youtube for cars. Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Honda need to take note and start producing heritage parts for these cars before it's too late. glad we have shops like these around the world putting in the effort to keep these classics alive.
I want to say that Mazda has a heritage program for the RX-7 but idk if it includes body panels and such or if its just engine components.
Toyota recently started a heritage program through GR for the AE86. The parts are too expensive for what they are. I mean $1,050 usd left or right brake calipers. I just upgraded to a larger brake system for cheaper than what it would cost for a single caliper.
Nissan has one.
2-3 year queue, so wild but that's the reality of shops like this that are dedicated to special models
Pretty normal for a restoration shop
Amazing sneak peak into, quite possibly, the most accurate and detailed Subaru restorer in the world. Wonderful decision to cover this!
I feel bad that men like this , what seems to be a good honest man with a small business are being killed off worldwide by multi national corporations. I hope he flourishes and succeeds. May God Bless him and his family.
Don't feel bad. He's hoarding all the nearly NLA Subaru parts in the world.
Trust me! Ali is doing just fine for himself😂😂
you mean greedy hoarders?
This is a true labor of love - just a total dedication to a cause that a vast majority of people would never even think of, let alone appreciate. Absolutely fascinating to see.
I was around in the Subaru forum world when the 22B was initially announced in Japan and remember every single retail 22B selling out as pre-sales. I wanted one soooooooo bad but all I was able to get was a GC8 4-Door RS. Man. Those were the days. This video brought a tear and a smile to my face. So glad to see people still in love with this car as much as I am.
This man is the God of all 22b Subarus.
How have i never heard of Ali. Im in Birmingham, England. Thanks for this. Thats a treasure trove.
I've been to Ali's a few times now , it makes it easy to tott up sightings of 22b's lol as its guaranteed there will be some there 😂
Ali is a top guy, he swapped out a seized caliper on the front of my type r for one he refurbished when I was passing by one day. Only took few minutes and the caliper is still in perfect working order.
Im happy just thrashing my £5k gc8 around the lanes of Wales😁
The serial number 000 22B prototype with the 2.0 engine was residing in Connecticut a couple of years ago. Had the pleasure of seeing it in person. Was in Redline Restorations and owned by @jdmsupreme
and 001
This guy's shop is absolutely bonkers
He’s got the cleanest workshop I’ve ever seen. His whole place looks like a dream to work in. Nice chap as well he gave me a shorter but similar tour when I was up there. What a place
I can't tell if it's just him or if he has staff or minimum a helper in the shop. If not, I wonder if he ever sleeps.
The 22B on Gran Turismo was one of my favorite cars; I cannot believe how much they've appreciated in value!
As an owner of a coupe impreza. This would place would be amazing to tour. 😍
What a great tour, Ali has a wealth of knowledge.
Ali is one of the best in the business. A true professional to deal with.
What a lovely guy he seems to be. Fascinating knowledge.
It is amazing how much information about Imprezas is in that man’s head. I learn something new every time I see him!
No surprise with how meticulous Ali is that his numbers are spot on. Australia did get 5 and one went straight to Subaru Australia. A lot of people tend to fudge numbers and Subaru specific details so its rare to see especially on yt someone so accurate.
A 22b full rally spec is a dream car
Impreza WRC S5 its what you look for 😉
The knowledge this man has is next level. Prices are crazy, shame that they will just sit in collections. Top video 😎👊👍✌👌
"So do you OHMYGOD!!!"
Larry has so many squirrel-moments exploring such awesome specialized shops and collections... 😁😎🤟
Ali lives over the road from us. Great guy!
Thank you Larry Chen for this awesome video of the rebirth of 22B 👍 👍
VHT make a red wrinkle finish paint = and it sticks - must be a spotless clean surface !
I built my 99 2.5RS into a 22B over the years. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a EJ22T for cheap back in the day and built it with V4 STi heads and cams.
Awesome. Thanks for your passion to restor and keep history of Subaru
I’m from newzealand and I tell you now there is no one that has their 22b subi that they are showing online. This car has been tucked away or atleast never shown online or taken to meets cos I’ve never seen a photo of it and surely I would know or someone I know would have heard about it. When he said that someone from NZ wanted to ship theirs to him it made me go whatttt. It’s cool to know that there is one somewhere though.
There is one in Porirua! I left a meet before it arrived and I almost cried 😂
This...MAN is doing the "LORD'S WORK"!!!
ali built my mates engine for his type r.
forged 2.5 block almost 10 years ago.still goin strongh today.!
Much respect to this man. Must protect him.
Following Ali on Facebook and his work is amazing. Just incredible to have a waiting list that long. I’m also waiting over 3 years now to get an racing engine for my Impreza.
People want to know why all 80 and 90 cars went up in price? 20:19 Larry hits the nail on it’s head right there.
Amazing shop mates, I have a 2019 STi that I have done cosmetic mods on and now I am saving towards working on the engine, but I am living pay check to pay check, just a family man so might take me ten years to get what I need but I want to do it right, find a good shop like this and team up and do the work with my son's and build a dream car and some memories in the process, seeing vids like this let's all the rest of us see it is possible
Larry. Best vid ever mate. Respect
This guy is a legend and i love what he does. I have less years of knowledge and experience but i love restoring the GC8s we have in the usa. I want to save as many as i can and see them around. I know alot of the gc8s body and mechanical work. I loved seeing that he and i agree on the P25 was sooo bad when it came out. It was trash and the newer version does look better i still cant see somebody paying the price. Way overpriced for the richest ppl. I do have loads of parts as well because alot of them are NLA at dealership.
How many times did he say 400 in japan and then add up 325 cars total?
He said it twice & it confused the fuck out of Larry (and me)
Got me, too. Then I started to think he meant 425 instead.
Listened half way...Still waiting for Louis to jump in.
Great stuff Larry!
This guy is living my dream
Fantastic 22B 😍😍😍👍💪
Great vid. I have owned my 04 WRX wagon since 2003. Love it. Always thought about building a 22b from a GC8. Costs have gone to high to do a project like that now, unless it’s a labor of love.
Another fantastic video, what a great guy 👍
19:50 FACTS!!!
Guy called andy winter does this hes booked up next 3 years 😂 ..top work❤
Colton from JDM Supreme (Diego Higa's FD Sponsor) has factory number 1 and number 2 Subaru 22B!
Thanks very much for the video Larry
I have been doing this for the V3-4 STi's. The parts are getting harder to find and I keep trying to keep the spares handy!
I wish Subaru would reproduce some parts.
You and me both!
Subaru should definitely run some sort of heritage scheme
Some spot!! Well done Ali 👍
God bless this man!
We got a Limited 2000 Type RA not a 22b but close enough, had several ej20k heads on stock
May have to take care of them 😂
Fantastic video - Many Thanks.
The UK 22B website got serious grief from people bodging heavily damaged chassis, to make serious money from a once wrecked car.... 'cos they knew it's history mattered.
Sadly I choose to buy an 02 STI when the 22B was hard to find at the same money back then - if I had found one it would be high mileage by now LOL....
I mean. It's a car that anyone can build. It's amazing how nostalgia sends up the price.
Love, dedication and a bit of obsession
my gc8 wrx version 5 is uk spec..the different between the jpanese version are the interior,aircon control,rear lights and the ecu.. Japanese is quicker(mostly maxout 180-200kmh) because of short ratios but uk version can go more than 240kmh)
Awesome shop! Working on making my own tribute 22b since I will never afford the current market value on the Subaru Impreza 22b (BAT sold one for $300k).
Love from the Greek Aussie
All i ur the man , thank you
Crazy amount of items. His IG is awesome
BTW The ex Mcrae 22b sold for £480,500 at Auction at the end of August 23. (Story from topgear )
Also one of the bigger sellers of 22b's in the UK is a company called "appreciating classics"
AC are in the line for at least 2 of the P25's (most of the P25s got sold to those looking to flip them. Very very few private individuals put down a deposit)
Awesome video
We have 22bs in NZ. Last one sold for $600k nzd. 14000kms
Me an this fella would get along well fellow scooby fan 😆😆
Blind Freddy could have realised that the 22B is the hero car of a generation. No reason it can’t be worth what a Miura is now.
Isn't number 13 (or number 325 since they didn't make a 13) the one sitting at Subaru of America?
The shop I go to with my GC8, he owns a 22B. Old mate might know him, MSR Racing?
When I die I hope I go there
Absolute Heaven 😘
Ali and I share the same feelings on the Prodrive P25 LOL
This man caught da bug !!!🚨
I had a rare P1 and two 22bs sold the P1 for 14k and 22B for 23500 I paid 17500 for my last one that was shipped to the USA. Spotted one in Cyprus and Hong Kong that one most recent. There was a very rare Tommy Kaira bugeye low mileage Sti for sale in Cyprus that have the 2.2 engine it had covered 30k kms and the dealer wanted 10000 euros it was purchased and put back up for 30000
Is that shop in Croatia still around? And if so what is it called?
What a cool guy
Why does he keep saying
400 Japan
16 uk
5 Australia
3 prototypes
= 324???
That’s 424
hey Larry is there a link to his shop? or anywhere I could get in touch with him ????
Why doesn't Larry know what makes a 22b different yet?
Seam welded chassis.
Semi closed deck heads.
Shotpeened and polished gearbox internals.
This guy really needs to work on his 22B knowledge. 🤭 Seriously - OMG - he's like a walking wikipedia of all things 22B! Amazing!
Love it!!!
JDM Supreme has the 000 Prototype, also Im Australian and have seen 2 of the 5 Aussie 22B's in the Wild about 15 years ago, couldnt fuckin believe it even then
The UK has been very lucky with the cars we've had made available to us.
UK spec Nissan Skylines for instance, they had better cooling & the R34 got Connolly leather seats.
All of the Mitsubishi Evo special editions that we had that the rest of the world didnt.
Now, we don't even get the new Nissan Z.
Off topic, is that your evo 4 in the pfp?? 😮 one of my dream cars! Pains me everytime I see an American driving one, in my area, to take back to the states, as they’re becoming more and more, less obtainable. 😢
@@Jjm2024-u3t Yes it was as a matter of fact.
First UK owner, I had it for 6 years as my daily driver.
It was fairly standard, ohlins dampers fitted by the last Japanese owner, I added a HKS Silent Hi-power exhaust & HKS panel filter.
Great fun but it did need a new AYC diff, which failed on me two roundabouts from home.
Luckily my Dad worked for Mitsubishi UK at the time so I got a brand new Evo VII diff for basically a couple of hundred pounds.
I know what you mean by seeing these cars head stateside, these cars are designed for narrow tight twisty roads, not interstates.
@@Zerofightervi lucky man. I’d love to own one one day. What are they like to drive and daily? Evo 4 has always been my favourite
@@Zerofightervi where is it now?
@@Jjm2024-u3t I unfortunately sold it for a ridiculously low sum of money some time ago.
It's not been on the road since 2016, I check the registration from time to time.
Not sure if it’s the same car purchased for $150K GBP but currently in HK, Asking price $3,780,000 HKD or $483,000 USD
Guy Math:
400 + 16 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 325
😂💀
GTR Registry has 431 VINS with 9 unconfirmed detail cars.
@@MattyBradI mean I'm assuming that quite a few of them are no longer on the road being scrapped or crashed.
Parts hoarders dream.
What's this Guys website or information?
I love rallye
This place…Its, a Heven!!!
Best subaru gc8 restoration spot in USA?
You could have 400 22b’s and they still not as special as the first Legacy RS type RA handcrafted tuned by STI
Dedicated person
I'm watching all this and all I'm wondering is why Subaru (or any other manufacturer for that matter) itself doesn't manufacture parts for these cars? Is it a cost thing? Some obscure laws or restrictions?
Just, why?
tiene guardalodo Subaru cg8
Wow
All those Subies and then the one Evo😂
The Hong Kong guy should be XRX 😂
I was thinking the same thing😂😂😂
Lol.. yeah
One sold in France for 220 000 euros with Monaco number plate 9069
I know who now owns Nicky Grist's car seen her a few times now in Northern Ireland.
1 million quid for it to feel the same as driving a 5k import 🤣madness
This video had 555 likes when I started it