For the amount of use you say it'll get Robbie... I'd go for a Type R. But I'm biased and have never driven a Spec C.
I know the newage will take more power... but the whole argument bout the practicality and comfort of a Newage is irrelavant here considering what you will be using it for. If you can find a clean Type R, then I'd snap it up and then treat it like a project and add to it with time... brakes, 6 speed etc etc. It's not like you won't enjoy it in the meantime in near to standard form.
Any if I'm honest... I don't think newage cars... regardless of whether they are Spec C's or not... will be as collectible in years to come as a Type R... and if you intend to hang onto it like I do my own... then I know I'd rather have one of them in my garage, as they are and the epitomy of what made the Impreza such pure rally legends. It'll be like having a Mk1 RS1600 BDA Escort in your garage in years to come.