Subrau’s growth story is a compelling one for sure! As recently as the late 1980s — not that long ago in the grand scheme of things — Subaru wasn’t particularly well-known nor was it on any fellow car maker’s radar as a worthy contender. Somewhat more popular among farmers and those who made their living off the land, these buyers valued the brand’s reputation for toughness, reliability, and the fact that all Subaru models came with standard four-wheel drive. Jump to the 1990s and you see how Subaru began reinventing its image as the brand redefined itself through the launch of models like the Impreza (which grabbed massive attention and credibility on the World Rally Championship’s stage).
So, is Subaru worthy of a place on a classic cars list? Can James Brown get down? You bet!
What makes a vehicle to be considered a classic car?
Classic cars traditionally defines those that are aged between 30 and 49 years, however modern classic cars are considered to be anywhere between 15 and 25 years old. With a brand and models that hover within these timelines — and more importantly with ones that have stood the formidable test of time — Subaru is ready, willing and able to take its place on any classic cars list.
Appreciating Subaru Classics
When rounding up Subaru classic cars, we confidently put the following three forward for your review.
1. The Legacy Outback
Ready to get in on the ever-expanding SUV market, Subaru launched the Legacy Outback. This model was based on the standard Legacy station wagon, but arrived on the market with its raised height that brought ground clearance to 200mm, and a two-tone paint job that set it apart from its contemporaries. Despite its appearance, this was no regular, run-of-the-mill station wagon. Tested in CAR’s February issue of 1997, it won over testers’ hearts with its off-road capabilities as well as its refined road manners — that made it compelling in the executive sedan category too. Its definitive ability to transcend boundaries between off— and on-road deftness meant that the Subaru actually had no direct rivals at the time while being a compelling alternative to the larger and more expensive Mitsubishi Pajero (especially if off-road wasn’t the sole purpose of your driving pleasure).
2. Subaru WRX
The WRX’s story puts it on the Subaru classic cars list without even trying. Already making impressionable waves as Japan’s sure-footed answer to the Volvo, the WRX was dependable and about as agricultural as you could get this side of a combine harvester. The Impreza replacement that was launched in 1992/1993 sold strongly (with a turbo-charged all-wheel drive option available in Japan’s home market). With twin viscous differentials and a rubbery five-speed manual and handling 174 kW from a forced-induction pancake-four, the Subaru WRX was built to rev impressions from the get-go.
3. Subaru WRX STI
If you want to learn how to make an entrance, you can take your cue from the Subaru WRX STI. Talk about being worthy on the classic cars list! With gold 17-inch alloy wheels and a boot spoiler like an exclamation-point, the second-generation Subaru WRX STI was (and still is) a serious performance car. If speed’s your game, then you might be interested to know that — while its 234km/h top speed isn’t necessarily groundbreaking — the WRX STI’s ability to reach 100km/h faster than the BMW M3 raised plenty of eyebrows. Not only quick on the straight-line, the WRX made a name for itself by blitzing through the corners of a rally special stage.
In 2011, the return of the traditional four-door saloon body style arrived with a slight name change (and what we know it as today). While still an Impreza, the range-topping performance model was now referred to as the WRX STI. Nothing says “classic cars list” quite like the model that celebrated 30 years of the STI badge.
Check out our feature on Subaru & Travis Pastrana’s WRX STI Gymkhana model for more on how this model has grown to set pulses racing.
Where can I find Subaru’s classic car?
In terms of Subaru classic cars, we’ve just dipped our toe into the water. And while we’ve got much to celebrate, this is really just the beginning. If you don’t want to be left behind, why not define “classic cars” for yourself and experience Subaru innovation, safety and exhilaration first-hand by getting in touch with your nearest dealership and booking a test drive.
If you would like to know more about any— and everything that a Subaru can do for you, call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you.
