Among the 50 thundering and flame-spitting race cars at last weekend's Bernina Gran Turismo, there was one car that wasn't as loud and spectacular as the others at first glance - but still got a lot of attention from the rally enthusiasts in the crowd. "Is it the real deal?" They were asking. "An original Prodrive car?" Well, yes it was. The white Subaru Impreza with the rally lights, golden rims and famous Subaru World Rally Team decals had originally been used by the sport's most famous names. Now, it was entered in the Swiss hillclimb at the Bernina Pass by Victoria Dold, daughter of the renowned German car collector Klaus Dold - and the youngest driver in the race. Naturally, we wanted to learn more about the Impreza as well as Victoria's passion for cars. So we joined her of a little off-piste detour near the Bernina Hospiz. 

Thanks for chatting with us, Victoria! Tell us, can you remember when it was that you got into cars? And was there a standout moment for you where you became afflicted with the love for four wheels and an engine?

"Yes, I can absolutely remember the moment I really got into cars. I was just three years old when I drove up the Gotthard Pass with my father in a white Porsche 911. I can still recall every detail of that drive. The feeling, the sound, the excitement. That was truly my first real experience with cars, and from that point on, it all began. There definitely was a defining moment where I became completely hooked. Even before I could legally drive, I was always fascinated by cars. Both old and new. I used to attend events with my father Formula 1 races, Concours Events, Rallys etc..

"But the real turning point came when I was 17 and began driving with supervision (BF17 in Germany). My dad didn’t start me off easy. He handed me the keys to our 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C. I had only ever ridden as a passenger in that car, but now I was the one driving it. It was a raw, mechanical experience, no synchromesh gearbox, no driver aids and I quickly learned that it wasn’t going to be easy. It didn’t work straight away, of course, but with practice and patience, I started to get the hang of it. And once I did, I was absolutely in love. From that moment on, driving became a real passion."

And so being into cars has led you to owning and driving this awesome Subaru Prodrive Impreza WRX STI, tell us all about it…

"The Subaru Prodrive Impreza WRX STI is incredible. I only drove it properly for the first time this year at the Bernina Gran Turismo, although I had done a few short test drives before in my home region, the Black Forest. This car has a real story. It’s done multiple rallies, including San Marino, and the Prodrive conversion makes it perfectly suited for competition. If you’ve seen the San Marino footage on YouTube, you’ll know what the car is capable of.
It’s fitted with an anti-lag system that makes the engine sound and feel completely wild. I had a huge amount of respect for the car going into it, but I quickly learned to trust it. It’s unbelievably stable, reliable, and just so much fun to drive. From the sound and the power delivery to the overall design, it’s an incredibly special machine."

And for someone who’s perhaps never even experienced even a road-going version of this JDM icon, what is it like to drive this rally machine in anger?

"It’s an incredible feeling. The dog-leg gearbox with its short gear ratios gives you such a rush of adrenaline, especially on a mountain pass like Bernina. The gear changes are fast and mechanical, and the short gearing is a real advantage in tight, twisty uphill sections. And the sound! This isn’t like a modern car. You hear everything: the gearbox, the turbo, the roll cage. It’s raw, authentic, and so much fun. You feel everything, exactly the way it should be in a Racing Rally car."

If we’re not mistaken, you’re 19, which would make you of a similar age to the Impreza, what draws you to it over something like a brand new car for example?

"That’s absolutely correct! I was born in 2006, and the Subaru is also from 2006. I’ve always been more into older cars, so for me, the Subaru is actually the most modern car I’ve driven in events like rallies or hill climbs. Usually, I’m behind the wheel of pre-war cars or early post-war cars. Driving the Subaru is a completely different experience. Of course, it offers more support and modern features, but it still retains a lot of the analogue feel. The gearbox, for example, is unsynchronised, which reminds me of those older cars. It’s a perfect bridge between the modern and the classic. And honestly, I’d choose the Subaru over a brand-new car any day. It’s far more engaging and connected."

With JDM cars of the early 2000s seemingly showing no signs of slowing down price wise, is there any other Japanese cars you’d love to own or experience for yourself?

"I’ve always found the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R fascinating. Yes, of course, it’s partly because of Fast & Furious, but beyond that, it’s just such an iconic and beautiful car, both in terms of design and engineering. On the other end of the spectrum, I’m also a big fan of off-road vehicles, so a V8 Restomod Toyota Land Cruiser from around 1954 would be a dream as well. I love the character of classic 4x4s."

Your dream three-car garage, no budget, let’s hear your choices…

"Easy, first, the Bugatti EB110. It’s one of my all-time favourites, both in terms of design and engineering. The way it blends technology and aesthetics is just perfect. Second, I’d choose a Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix car. I’m a huge fan of vintage Grand Prix racing, and although it’s incredibly difficult these days to find an original, authentic example, this would absolutely be one of my dream cars. And third, of course, something for the trails a Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet. I used to ride in one as a child and I still think it’s one of the most iconic 4x4s ever made. It would complete the garage perfectly."

We’ve just seen you tear it up on the Bernina Gran Turismo, but what adventures or events do you have planned with the Subaru in the future?

"The next event I have planned with the Subaru is a rally in the Black Forest region of Germany, quite close to where I live. Since I haven’t driven the car all that much yet, I’m really looking forward to getting more seat time and getting to know the car better. Later on, I’ll also be taking part in the Journee d´Automne in France, though not with the Subaru. For that one, I’ll be driving a Bugatti Type 35 together with my sister. It’s a event for older cars, so the Subaru will have to sit that one out!"