Crapwagon Outtake: The Subaru RX Coupe
I once read a book abut Subaru’s history in the American market, which I assume makes me an expert on all things Fuji Heavy. That and I came home from the hospital in a GL10 Turbo station wagon, which suffered an ignominious death from rust just months later. But somehow, there was a gap in my Subaru knowledge, specifically with their two-door models.
As far as I knew, Subaru’s two door models included the XT, the SVX and the Impreza Coupe. Oh, and the BRAT. But I had no idea that the RX Coupe existed – not that many other people did either. Based on the Leone/GL, only 2600 RX Coupes were imported over a two year period from 1987 to 1989, with an automatic transmission only available in 1989.
Power came from a 1.8L turbocharged boxer-four, making 115 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. Although the RX looked like a sporty coupe, it came with a low-range transmission and a locking center differential, as well as an unusually high ride height. On-road performance may not have been as sharp as some of its competitors, but the grip and handling on loose surfaces made up the difference. In a way, it was the Outback sedan, long before it was a glimmer in the eye of a New England Subaru dealer.
The RX’s limited numbers translate into a scarce supply. The only RX for sale in the country is this beautifully preserved sedan, which has the 5-speed manual/low-range combo and a very period correct color scheme. If I had one, it would look more like this.
More by Derek Kreindler
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This is the car that started my Subaru obsession in the late 90's. I was 16, it was 1998, and a neighbor who was a Subaru guy had an absolute mint RX Turbo Coupoe for sale. I drooled over it for a long time and then one day it was gone. I wish I could have afforded it. Haven't seen another since. BTW - on the topic of the car for sale - stay away. That seller has a bad reputation at best - you can read about them on several Landrover forums. They seem to bring a lot of "pristine" Subarus up north from the desert but I suspect many come out of junk yards.
2 door turbo with a low range? I think this is the model that got me banned from test driving new subies back then. You'd think mud didn't wash off roofs or something.
118HP WITH a turbo? Wow. That's anemic even by late 80's standards.
Actually, I have one of these that I would be willing to part with ... 4 speed auto w/turbo, air conditioning, power steering & brakes 140k miles