We reunited Richard Hammond with his favourite Grand Tour car!

[@Yet_Another_Steve]

As a member of everyone in the UK, I enjoyed my time in Martin. And that's a phrase that will only work with this video.

[@Drivetribe]

😂

[@lopon12]

Just left the nuts hanging out 😅.

[@Ess_Chalk]

Made all the better by the STI.

[@christophermears7738]

It's awfully nice of Mike to return your car to you after he's put on 100'000 miles lol

[@chrisbike77]

...tried & tested they say ...

[@Filipe_2004]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@warthog473]

For a car like that 100,000 miles isn't much. These are rally cars and were built to take a beating. My son knows people with these that have twice that mileage and still run better than half the garbage made today.

[@krimke881]

Also, going through ALL the sponsors before giving away the key =p

[@HondaEnjoyer12]

@@warthog473subarus are built for a beating? 😂Yeah except the head gasket is extremely prone to failure especially when it over heats (which it will on track), and any hard track driving will cause oil starvation and subsequently send a rod into outer space (this is due to Subaru negligently not making it a dry sump)Apart from that really solid cars

[@SanithMohanCase305]

He really loves the Subaru. He chose a Subaru for the Africa Special as well in Top Gear. And he had a comparitively comfortable ride than J & J.

[@carlbirtles4518]

An Impreza Wagon, more specifically.

[@mikej557]

It was the only vehicle of the 3 that was suitable for the task.

[@carlbirtles4518]

@@mikej557 BMW 528i Touring and Volvo 850 R.

[@mikej557]

@@carlbirtles4518 exactly. One 4x4 baby rally car and two massive motorway cruisers.

[@Gobbbbb]

@@mikej557 I loved the Subaru and the 850 R was at least a cool car, didn't care much for the BMW.

[@dwaynne_way]

Without a shadow of doubt this is my favourite of your cars from The Grand Tour, I grew up with Subaru's and for me it is still one of my top dream cars to own. So glad you fixed this car and kept it.

[@MrMcbear]

Same here. I got my 2018 STi in 2021 and it's been a dream come true.

[@dwaynne_way]

@@MrMcbear the 2 at the top of my list is a Subaru Impreza Wagon and the Forrester STI

[@ghomerhust]

this scooby and the "estate" hatch scooby in the second africa BBC road trip were just epic cars. it was crazy how much abuse that africa scooby dealt with, especially with the nuts breakdown where the shock mount broke apart. i've never even seen that, and ive been working on cars since the 1990s

[@dwaynne_way]

@@ghomerhust you're right that wagon from the Africa Special had quite the hammering both on road and off and it took it all in it's stride.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

I had a Forester XT with some STI bits added, up until about a year ago, it was great fun and very practical, then my Impreza wrx sti came along and ousted it!@@dwaynne_way

[@conversekid204]

It's crazy Richard has two cars ingrained in our memories for pure joy and entertainment. One leg of the best trio ever

[@dodgywheelsandropeywiring5697]

Which one of them is the middle leg? 🤣

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Jake The Peg!

[@davidadao]

Loved the effort to include all the details and decision making that went into it, can’t wait for the drive

[@Drivetribe]

Coming very soon!

[@DimitkoIvanov]

At the end when Hammond was disappointed I had the same exact reaction as him when he was told " In the next video you will see Richard Hammond take Martin for a spin" 😀

[@ballistic02]

you know they just cut this video and hopped in it right?

[@wizardrhyme9597]

​@@ballistic02You dont say

[@Drbudweiser]

They should have made the handover much shorter and then do the road test

[@buggeroff9]

I was also waiting to hear the exhaust make the lovely burble sound.

[@Drbudweiser]

@@buggeroff9 I think it has EL manifold though.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

Richard in a Subaru just make me happy cause as he says its iconic

[@ghomerhust]

yeah that is one of the most iconic street going scooby's ever built. its that one, the crazy coupe from like 10 years earlier (marty MCM has one), and the brumby/brat. those 3 are instantly recognizable nearly everywhere in the world.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

@@ghomerhust yeah man they truly are special

[@skylined5534]

​​@@ghomerhust You just reminded me! There was a Australian motor channel video from the late 2000s which featured a heavily modded AWD Brumby with a bullet STi engine and transmission. It's a dark metallic red if I remember correctly. I can't recall the title but if you search for Brumby Vs Ducati and it starts with an Australian in the outback hopping over the road like a kangaroo to what sounds like 90s pr0n music you've got it 😂 Edit: found it! Not a built engine but a stock mildly modded STi engine. The title is 'Subaru Brumby drag video fun' 😂

[@TrevorDennis100]

With all the OTT supercars we see on various KZbin channels, I can't think of a single one that I'd rather own than this one. It's not exactly a sleeper, but for all its gold wheels, iconic blue paint, and a few stickers suggesting this might be a serious car, it's still going to surprise anyone who fancies their chances against it. But for all that, you could still use it as your daily driver, 'hopefully' without a grimace after every tiny bump you drive over. RIP Collin. You have left this world with one heck of a legacy.

[@daviddefortier5970]

530hp is not just mediocre, its going into super car teritory

[@skylined5534]

​@@daviddefortier5970 Yep! Not an awful lot you're going come up against in daily driving will be able to embarrass this stunning GD. OK, a Tesla XYZLGBTQ will probably have it off the line and up to 60 if it's a dual motor model but it's still going to get thrashed in the bends by the Subaru 😂

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

I've owned a lot of different cars but just recently got a 2005 WRX STI. First time owning any suburu and it's shocking how good it is. Even with totally worn out rear shocks that need changing it feels so exact and responsive

[@skylined5534]

Only had two GC8s in the past (awesome) but would love a GD some time soon! Enjoy the car 😎

[@screamingbirdheart]

The best thing in the video. Is that they spoke about the next time grand tour. Which wasn't denied by Richard. So the trio continues 🎉🎉🎉 🥳🥳🥳

[@agentcrm]

Oh that ending was perfect. Hammond, one advantage of the tow hitch. Is people can't drive into the back of you without damaging their car, so they're handy in carparks.

[@hhaste]

I've had my 06 STi for 16 years, now. Still love it just as much as the day I got it. Even at 'just' 294whp/344wtq it's still a blast to drive on the streets. I'm torn on weather I want to build it up more or get a new platform. I still love it but the higher you go, the more unreliable it becomes. They are also incredibly expensive to build, compared to other platforms. Granted, things have certainly advanced in the past years, so they are more reliable now (it also helps that I live 30 minutes from IAG Performance, as they have some of the best engine builders and tuning available for Subaru's) but the cost..

[@salspec3381]

Same here! STI, 13 years and still loving it. I agree with your philosophy. I've done chassis and reliability upgrades. I am however planning a mild power upgrade... well really it's an optimization of the stock engine. Anyway you got me beat... 6hrs from IAG.

[@adamb2619]

I have a 2004 STI. Keep it stocks and enjoy it!

[@smileymalaise]

You guys should see a doctor

[@gergoantal1066]

​@@smileymalaise And why is that?

[@Chriskreepa]

Had my 04 for 6 years now, 130,000 miles on it. Runs like a dream. Bring on the snow!

[@MotherBiscuitLover]

There are trailer hitches where the "receiver hitch" I think its called can be slid out after removing a pin. There are also winches mounted on barstock that can be slid into it's place and again, secured with a pin. A winch might come in handy if for some reason the camera car following you ends up in a ditch.

[@conorf8091]

More than likely it will be Hammond car being winched out

[@intractablemaskvpmGy]

I was thinking this. lol Also, while quirky and cool people and probably Hammond himself will bash their shins as they walk behind the vehicle. I live around trucks and they all have these hitches and balls sticking out behind them into the parking space behind. You learn to give them a wide berth. Even though the owners could easily remove them, they don't

[@jackhemsworth7515]

​@@conorf8091 nah it's not a hypercar

[@MotherBiscuitLover]

@@conorf8091 I know, I just didn't want to rub salt on an old wound

[@agentcrm]

Subaru's normally have the small version of those hitches. They're not strong enough for a winch. You need the larger 2" or 2.1/2" receivers for a winch.

[@mistreku]

this channel has evolved A LOT in the recent time, it always felt like a half assed job in its early days, but the past year has been nothing but top notch content! well done, you boys and gals! very much looking forward to future videos!

[@Drivetribe]

Thank you for your kind words! This year''s going to be a good one 🤩

[@briandoescosplay]

I've recently bought the grandfather of the WRX, and it needs so much work. It's a 1987 Subaru RX (with the turbo ofc) and according to the VIN, it's the 58th production car. Hopefully one day I can fix her up and get some pretty photos with other WRXs like this one

[@ghomerhust]

please to fix her up! that's a pretty groovy old box scooby! deserving of a second life

[@Drivetribe]

Sounds like a great project 👌🏻

[@briandoescosplay]

@@Drivetribe It will be when I have enough money to start buying stuff for her I gotta start with a who engine rebuild before working on getting the body clear of rust

[@chinajack28]

I'm going to Osaka in March. Happy to pick up the stickers and bring them back!

[@Gobbbbb]

The blobeye Impreza is my all time favourite car. One of the best sounding engines ever made, turbo noises, capable at doing pretty much anything you want it to, and most importantly, it has character. I know these engines like to let go because they can use a bit of oil, but nothing stops me from loving this car. I will own one some day and cherish it.

[@Chriskreepa]

I have a 2004 and it uses nearly no oil and I use it every day for the past 6 years. Go and get one!

[@skylined5534]

​@@Chriskreepa You have no idea how much I want a blobeye GD... Great cars!

[@airviewcinematography]

Totally agree the dent should be repaired. But, I agree that the hitch should stay as it was a key part of the Grand Tour episode and literally the link to this car’s history.

[@Dug6666666]

The first time Hammond shin's himself on the tow ball is probably going to be the decider. My Forester came with one, it only gets used to hook the shopping trolley round to stop it rolling down a slope while I unload into the back. For that reason alone it has stayed.

[@brucewillis454]

Very cool Subaru! Richard Hammond is glad to see you ;)

[@MegaRetr]

Without a shadow of doubt this is my favourite of your cars from The Grand Tour😀

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

Headlights look like they could do with a restoration polish carried out to get them diamond/crystal clear again!

[@Alex-Walker]

Thanks for lending me Martin. My trip around Europe was lovely.

[@BobTheBlue]

What an amazing skyline backdrop 🥰

[@SucksTeamMx]

Absolute love they shoot this video on open country make feel very freedom and watching this machine on his own proper environment is chills!

[@bobabreath5097]

Towbar/hitch is an ideal accessory for a someone who wants to take his bikes with him for some off road adventuring. Subies were always the most fun utility vehicles. Maybe bright yellow match the DriveTribe stickers. Either way, great job.

[@luisneves210]

I don't mid the tow bar and that is a proper reminder of TGT show. the dent on the bonnet was horrible dow lol... Oliver is my number 1 and Martin is number 2 of them all 😉

[@pvt-backpassage9843]

I love how they embraced the martin racing

[@jonathanstermer2665]

To tell Hammond it wants as much throttle as possible sent a chill down my spine lol! Build is killer 🎉

[@enzzo9492]

Drove it last week, was fantastic.

[@Seekerofknowledges]

Dear Drivetribe, please stop milking this format. Time to pay Richard and give him a new format where he drives cars and comments on them. Sincerely, A long term follower

[@STILLER.B_R]

Happy New Year team "Drivetribe" Richard Hammond, I'm your fan

[@Drivetribe]

Happy new year Joe!

[@anotherluckydad]

I think I liked it more before. Still can't believe the improvements y'all did. Martin looks wonderful 👍.

[@BurnedNerd]

it is nice that the car was named by Clarkson 😂😂 I like Martin... Martin is reassuring 😂

[@daltontech1613]

9:44 One of the first mods I did on my MX-5 was stick a small piece of the hook side of a hook & loop fastener (like Velcro) on the catch - you find it immediately, every time (not my idea, I read it on a forum, 'top [however many] mods under $50'). Cheapest mod I have done, still one of my favourites.

[@HisMastersAlibi]

10:23 That smile from Hammond said it all

[@guints9671]

100% The towbar must stay. It's a part of it's story. Unlike the dent, it doesn't detract from it's look, just makes it more unique.

[@Adalwolf17]

Martin looks amazing. I am so much on the fence about the bonnet dent.... Tow bar should stay though.

[@NortheastWhipz]

Love this car and the channel ❤ Thought id add some expirience into the mix. You both mentioned that the impreza is plagued with understeer, which is heavily true, in standard form they shoulder barge into corners, its horrible imo. However i found that simply a pair of whiteline anti roll bars and the kit they supplied fixed this. We run fast road setup with a 24mm front and 22mm rear (iirc) Lowered the car about 30mm on H&R springs and gaz gold struts with a set of sticky vriedsteins for good measure Too most its probably a tiny bit too low, but she handles like a dream now just point and go. Have had it all over the b roads and done many trackdays like this and wouldnt have it any other way Keep the content coming, dying to see what hammond thinks

[@EnlightenedTurtle]

Anyone else kind of miss the old top gear days. What a job those guys had. GT was alright, but no TG. The specials were just pure epic.

[@mylesdean7416]

I have days where I just have a special marathon, My favourite has to be the Africa special as I once owned a 53 plate Impreza WRX STI and I knew from the start the rally pedigree of the Subaru would trump the other two cars.

[@JordanMcC321]

Lose the tow bar. When do you see them rallying with a tow bar?

[@leenevin8451]

I miss top gear badly

[@SkyGrizzzley]

Richard tried to hide his sly smile when he heard the horsepower haha. Glad to see you can never get too old to be excited for a car.

[@ecopennylife]

Thanks for fixing the bonnet dent 🥰 Yeah, take the towbar off, it does look out of place on a WRX. Plus the longest car handover in history 😂

[@Drivetribe]

It’s been a long standing joke for us and we wanted to bring you all in on it 🙂

[@johnymodem1326]

Keep the Towing Hitch .... You never know when it will come in handy .... They are always handy for keeping someone from bashing your bumper! Keep up the good work, I thoroughly enjoyed the Martin series :) BUT ... Would've like to have seen it in Richard's hands :)

[@roneified4405]

Keep the hitch: next episode, Richard takes Martin caravaning

[@dainschneck]

Genuine fun here guys enjoyed the video!

[@maxbialystock254]

Put a 2 bike trailer on the back and you and Izzy take the dirt bikes to an off road location. Great video

[@prettyvacant09]

I own an STI as well and I love it Great to see Richard with an STI again

[@siraff4461]

"So how long was the shakedown?" "3000 miles" 🤣

[@Drivetribe]

We had to be thorough ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@siraff4461]

@@Drivetribe Can't fault you. Dilligence is a top priority. Richard should be greatful. I bet it drives bloomin well too if its that popular.

[@lepermessiyah5823]

Hitch should be up to Hammond. He has to live with it at the end of the day. Makes me happy seeing how happy he is with it, same feeling I get with mine.

[@rob_ah_]

As soon as they started talking about the blow-off valve, I had visions of Hammond and a certain Noble on the side of an Italian road.

[@timpowell6037]

It was watching this very car on The Grand Tour that encouraged me to buy a 2007 WRX a little over a year ago. Unfortunately due to personal and home circumstances changing I ended up selling it because I couldn't justify the £675 annual tax for the mileage that I was doing. But I loved owning it and I look forward to owning one again in the future.

[@mrgreen7618]

£675 a year road tax ?… for a 2.0 turbo

[@skylined5534]

​@@mrgreen7618 It gets way worse than that for some other cars. All cars are banded on how much they put out at the tailpipe in the UK.

[@Glitchedout-ry8ee]

i think the tow hitch should definitely stay on. its a piece of history and it comes in real handy in certain situations

[@skylined5534]

One of the best features when some plank runs up the back of you and they don't get to drive their car home but you do 😂

[@fredbrackely]

He's got 20 other cars that can pull tow duty!!

[@bbehzadi413]

A nice little piece that would be great to add to this build is a Killer B upper coolant reservoir. Adds a lot more room for front mount builds.

[@timmyboy2276]

Love it! Keep the tow hook, you'll never know when you need it.

[@firasoji304]

man i want one of these, even more now that it was featured in such a great special.

[@andrewolson5471]

It's almost funny that the STi gearbox can take 800hp, but Donut Media broke the gearboxes on two regular WRXs with kess than 600hp. There is a major difference between the standard WRX 5-speed and the STi 6-speed!

[@PocketDrummer]

The WRX has a "glass transmission". The STi has an incredibly over-engineered transmission. Either way, Donut has no idea what they're doing with these cars, and they shouldn't be considered an authority on anything even remotely Subaru-related.

[@andrewolson5471]

@@PocketDrummer my main take-away from the Hi-Lo WRX series is: do your homework before building up a car.

[@SkylineLofe]

that's because Donut didn't really do any proper research. Sure they had baffled oil pans, but you could tell they didn't really care considering they sent it on a freshly rebuilt engine a few times.

[@skylined5534]

​@@PocketDrummer Not really. The issue is usually people adding worrisome amounts of boost and then thrashing on them and constantly launching like a madman. With a modest bhp hike and not beaten on they're fine. I will concede that the 6 speeder is definitely far stronger and will handle a lot more power and abuse though!

[@Richard_Turner]

Amazing to see some classic Woolarding from Hammond 😂😂 ok it was the towbar not the bumper but now it's been done, bin the tow bar. 👍

[@Renault_75-34MX]

I'd keep the hitch. Even if it's just a foot rest at shows. It's part of the history and if you need it, you have it

[@bavelnaard]

Lord Martin, I salute thee. Welcome back. What a nice corporate car it was for the channel.

[@jesseolivermusictherapy]

His got such a big smile on his face! 😄

[@josephkelly4893]

Great video gents, I could listen to Rich talk for hours

[@alexoliver9201]

Love the screen chemistry of these two, And having owned 2 subaru Impreza’s I can say this series is brilliant.

[@tipilot3791]

I'm curious to see the dislike ratio because my god Richards reaction at the end was a perfect representation of the audience. Also my god im so jealous of the crew that got to drive that car

[@mongoardath1]

The look on Hamster's face when he was informed that he now has Launch Control.....

[@NiksSofa]

you see, this right here, is *EXACTLY* why i love this channel.

[@DG_427]

I like the tow hitch. Keep it!

[@SubaruVideosUK]

Hammond's love for Subarus always gets me.. from a fellow Subaru loving Midlander 🤗

[@hellodisdat]

KEEP the tow ball. It protects the back of the car somewhat from rear end crashes AND its occasionally useful.

[@DerideDerka]

Bought collector plates for my 2004 USDM STi today! Nice to see another one brought back instead of scrapped!

[@customisemc]

Keep the holes in the roof lining, lose the hitch. Can't believe we still don't even get to see Hammond's reaction!

[@cathej1000]

How cold is it there? I do love that car. As a cowboy from Texas, I’m not capable of scrutiny, but. It is. Brilliant.

[@Drivetribe]

Very cold, as always! 🙃

[@Frikdik]

Leave the tow hook....if you get hit from behind, it will protect your bumper😅

[@skylined5534]

Perfect for going through the radiator of the tool that hits you as well 😂

[@gcswift2]

I currently have a tow hitch on My Evo X. I used it to tow a trailer when I moved 6 yrs ago. I refuse to remove it.

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

It's not a tow-bar, it's a rear analogue parking sensor. If you reverse too far, your parking sensor gets hit, and not your beautiful Subaru rear end.

[@skylined5534]

Brilliant 😂

[@andymossey9174]

Best car on KZbin. Epic work on it!

[@goose4150]

Tow bars are the biggest audi driver deterrents ever. It's a must have

[@justazombie2556]

keep the tow bar ive got one on my bugeye sedan and it has saved my bumper from people hitting my car a few to many times

[@daniellazar80]

Also the towbar helps if you get rear ended in your car

[@imaner76]

To be rear ended, you must first be caught! 😂😂

[@robert-king-d7t]

Can always back into someone aggressively

[@waskier4842]

Keep the hitch. Great story. Great footrest. Great bumper cover. Mine has lots of red, blue, and yellow paint and my bumper is perfect, still.

[@MrDreddZz]

Keep that tow bar and use it to tow cars to meets. Something unique to show up in

[@BACKO7777]

Fantastic car, enjoy!. Very jealous 👍

[@jakobkling5071]

Yes, keep the hook but match it gold with the wheels 😁

[@motoracer1562]

Re-powdercoat those calipers, they look beat up, oh remove the tow bar lol. Beautiful Subaru ❤❤❤

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Keep the Trailer Hitch. Think about how Jealous people would be seeing Martin passing them towing a Jet Ski!

[@JEMMTB1]

You bloody teasers 😂 Can't wait to see Richard drive it.

[@DoubleOSevan]

I know the "Blobeye" is often seen as the ugly transition to the favored "Hawkeye" facelift, but I quite favor these to the later generation. They have a really meaty looking presence to them - like the bonnet is hiding gobs of power... which in this case it really is. Looks like a proper driver's car!

[@skylined5534]

To be honest while I like all iterations of the GD the 'blobeye' was and is my favourite!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Same here ...I have one (2003 wrx sti PPP in black, gold OZ wheels)@@skylined5534

[@kleeb5742]

These and the GC8 have always been my favorite looks since I was a kid. Then comes bugeye, hawkeye and the newer one that all about tie for me. Tbh the hawkeye was just that transition to angry eye cars and it never did that much for me as opposed to how unique the blobeye looks.

[@DoubleOSevan]

@@kleeb5742 I actually have a GC8 on my channel that I’ll be building after my AE86 project is complete (technically GM6 since the GC8 is a 4-door and mine is a coupe). They’re fun cars and nothing else really compares to it here in the US market (~2800 lbs, AWD, 2 doors).

[@Don-pk2uy]

Thought it was the other way around. The hawkeye is absolutely hideous to me whereas this is perfect

[@MorganBrady]

Richard, you ride motorcycles… I think you should keep the tow bar! You could take a trip to some incredible driving roads and bring both the car and the bike with! Get to the spot, park the bike, park the trailer, remove the hitch, and enjoy Martin when it’s cold or a rainy day, but then have the bike for the nice sunny days of the trip! You wouldn’t have to choose between which love of motorsport to bring on an adventure!

[@user.8102]

Please keep the tow bar. Its so special❤ no other car has been called Martin and had someone ski from it 😂

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

One of the 3 most famous car experts in the world couldn't find the hood catch. FINALLY I FEEL VINDICATED.

[@forestcollins7653]

Don’t keep the tow bar, keep making the grand tour 👍

[@Jimmyboypepsimax]

Epic video. Towbar joke, brilliant. Great video Mike and Richard ❤

[@adamsalter123]

keep the tow bar!

[@stevo63n]

Lose the tow bar,and definitely lose the white stripe down the side.Apart from that,the Scube looks fantastic. 👌🏼🔥

[@johnnywhitty6407]

Keep the towbar, given Richards history, this might come in handy to keep the rear bumper from receiving damage

[@OzzieMozzie777]

*Drivetribe don't miss!!!!!!*

[@mrmoloch4033]

Definitely on board with keeping the footrest.

[@the1whofights434]

Everyone has seen a banged up Subaru we wanted to see him drive

[@jakewentley2768]

I think the tow bar should be taken off because it will give the car its original shape and make the car look more like a wrx… (ps: I hope to one day buy a wrx for my own.)

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Martin. Love your work 👍