Appearing as if it’s in jacked-up stump-jump mode, this 1987 Subaru RX Turbo Coupe is a rare car to see today. They say this one has a 2″ lift, but it sure looks like more than that to me. I would have guessed double that. The seller has it listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Weaverville, North Carolina, and they’re asking $7,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to PRA4SNW for the tip!
Recently coming down off of my rabid Subaru fanatic kick, I would have been incredibly interested in this car. Maybe not with the bigger wheels or the lift, or the asking price, but the car, in general. I very much preferred the four-door sedan version, which was a bit rarer. I was lucky (or unlucky) enough to own a 1988 version a few years ago; a few of you may remember that car as seen here on Barn Finds almost eight years ago now.
The details are so much like those on this two-door car, but I just liked the proportions better on the sedan than on the two-door coupe model. Subaru only made around 2,600 of the two-door version, and that was almost 40 years ago, so they’re rare to see today. This car needs a bit of work, both inside and out, as far as the cosmetic bits and pieces go. Those huge bumpers often look like they’re pushed down for some reason.
We’ve all heard of the WRX, but the RX series, made on the third-generation Leone, beginning in 1985, could be the spiritual or almost literal predecessor to the WRX. The interior of the Coupe looks almost exactly like my sedan did, although mine was much nicer inside. This driver’s seat needs a bit of work, but the back seat looks nice, as does the rear cargo area. You can see the “lo-hi” range lever between the front seats, and to the right of that, on mine, was a center differential lock knob. The seller mentions that, but I must have missed it in the photos.
It’s hard to clean, detail, and keep these Subaru engines clean and looking great, but I took pride in my EA82T engine looking as close to new as possible. This is Subaru’s 1.8-liter fuel-injected boxer-four with 115 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It sends power through the five-speed manual and hi-lo transfer case to all four wheels, controlled by that center diff lock knob. The engine is missing the spare tire, as seen in my engine photo. The seller says that this one runs and drives great and has new tires. Any thoughts on this RX Turbo?
The second of the three cars I ever bought new was a Loyale AWD Turbo Wagon in black. Totaled by a baby sitter. Years later bought a used ’05 Legacy GTL wagon, auto. Recently donated to 501(c)3 for a tiny deduction – but it was a problematic rust bucket, regardless of low miles.
I think I’m done with Soobs. Good luck to seller!
That thing is higher than John Denver and Willy Nelson in the Rocky Mountains. Great looking car but ugly as it is. Does not suit a 2 door coupe.
I wonder if it’s an actual lift kit, I know these old Subarus had height-adjustable suspension. Not from the drivers’ seat – there was an adjuster bolt at each corner that had to be turned manually with a wrench – but it was done from above, under the hood and in the cargo area, without having to crawl under the car.
I’m not sure if “full stretch” was this high though.
nlpnt, the seller mentioned a 2″ lift in their ad. It sure looks like it’s higher than that to me, but maybe it’s the huge wheels, too?
There is also a photo that shows this sticker. I flipped the photo so it was easier to read. An outfit out of Aussie name Subarino.
where are you going with this?
This is something you don’t see everyday. Even back in ’87. I’m wondering if the lift changes the handling characteristics? We have 2 Subies now, and our oldest son has had a few WRX STi models. It’s nice to see their heritage, where they came from. I remember how odd it seemed to have the spare tire under the hood, but you have to hand it to Subaru and making the most of available space at the time. This one really looks clean for its age.
While I hope to get into a 1983 2 door gl10 2 door 4×4, I love all the 1983-1994 gl do gl10 loyale and rx models, And had the 1.6 brats for 1979.
This is a real Beauty of a car, this ea82t is a lot more fun than the normally aspirated. I love them both, the EFI dual ranger is a durable setup, the 4wd automatic is is slower, unless it’s a turbo automatic I think the regular automatic is 1-1 no OD.
To me the dual ranger is a very simple perfect idea in big snow, nothing like dropping it in low range when the snow gets high, I love my Loyale wagons, in the dead of summer, I don’t require AWD, Noseau vomiting and diarrhea ask your Doctor if it’s right for you.
I love the digital dash of the gl10 this may have the cluster that floats with the tilt wheel? I loved the air ride control, even if it was short lived and problematic.
Yea the price is too high for me, but it’s definitely a special rig, no matter what it needs.
I keep my eyes peeled to find a granny car local, doesn’t happen often, they go quick.
Rust wise it looks super clean.
But with every older Subaru I envision a rotted lower front subframe, passed through way to many inspections with fresh paint and undercoating, Yes im a product of the rust belt.
And if it is solid from out of town, then you win, it’s worth it to get on from out there
Scotty, I forgot all about your Subaru obsession, but when I saw this, I thought you might feature it.
This one really caught my eye. Something about the 2 doors, the dimensions, and the lift made me think that this would be a great rally car, at least in the woods / off road stages. Like a Japanese version of the Audi Rally Coupe.
I’ve never been much into Subbies, but I am really liking this one.