Depending on where you are in the US, you might see Subarus everywhere. These dependable all-wheel-drive cars are the default choice for drivers who regularly deal with mud, snow and ice. Barn Finds reader Sean S found this 1990 Subaru Leone Station Wagon for sale on Craigslist in Blue Ridge Georgia for a not unreasonable $4,100.
I’m sure that most of you who saw the lede photo noticed that there was something a bit different about this particular Subie. The fender mounted mirrors should be the first clue that this car is a Japanese-market model which means that it is right hand drive. Yes, Subaru sold right hand drive cars in the US for rural postal carrier service, but this one ain’t one of those.
The US version of this station wagon was sold as the Subaru Loyale and came with a 1.8 liter flat four cylinder engine. The seller states that this car has the Japanese market 1.6 liter four cylinder backed up with the optional 5 speed manual transmission with power going to the front or all four wheels via a dual range transfer case. Judging from the photos, the fuel feed system may be through twin Hitachi carburetors, which was an option at the time. Power output would be 127 horsepower in the twin carb version.
The interior is functional and made out of the kind of vinyl that could withstand everything but a nuclear strike. Ornamentation is minimal and everything there has a purpose. The condition of the seats and carpets tends to support the seller’s claim of low mileage and the surfaces just need a good cleaning to be ready to roll. A number of the informational labels are in Japanese but most of the controls are labelled in English. Of course the speedometer and odometer are calibrated in kilometers per hour and kilometers, so the odometer will show something like 53,000 kilometers.
There doesn’t appear to be any major issues with the appearance of the body. No visible corrosion areas or dents is a major plus and a careful detailing might bring any faded areas of paint back to a shine. There is one piece of trim that is missing but it should be easy to source a replacement here in the States. Interest in classic Japanese and Japanese domestic market cars is on an upswing with several regional events dedicated to them. For $4,100 the new owner could get a solid daily driver and a weekend show car in one package. What would you do with it?
You’d think there was a factory in Vermont, they compete with the number of hippies and cows, but NH ain’t far behind.
“Ayahh..”
You should see it up here in Alaska… Subaru is pretty much like the state bird.
At least somebody must have thought it was a good deal since the post is already deleted.
Which is too bad because it would have been good to see if there were additional engine photos because the photo included in this article sure looks like an air cleaner setup for the standard single 2 barrel Hitachi carb.
I’m pretty sure that sold in Japan a couple of months back for about $50
Or 5642 yen. :)
My 87 turbo puts out 115-120 hp and its quiet as a mouse, i didnt know about a dual hitachi rig puttin out 126, that must be interesting , i have another with a single hiatchi, its a different animal than the fuel inj turbo. But a dual ranger with 126 hp is boss in the snow , much better thsn the push button
The air cleaner looks exactly like the one on my ’86 Brat 1800, except mine is the baby blue color. The Japanese version of the 1800 had hydraulic lifters, and the Japanese “take-out ” engines that were imported had stickers on the rocker covers stating ” Do Not Adjust Valves”
For those who don’t know, the Japanese anti-smog laws are VERY strict, and required the engine to be removed and replaced after a relatively low number of miles by US standards – about 25K, as I recall. These engines were then imported to the US by several companies to be used as replacements for high mileage vehicles as a cheaper alternative to doing an overhaul.
Back in the 80s, it was these cars and Dodge Caravans that were the most common family vehicles, especially in Massachusetts.