Subaru enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing some of the most robust cars on the planet. The Impreza WRX was one of the dominant models in the World Rally Championship, scoring six crowns between 1995 and 2003. Our feature car is the Impreza’s predecessor, a 1979 DL that is a genuine survivor. It has 55,000 miles on the clock, and the seller indicates it has no pressing needs. They have listed the DL here on Craigslist in Arroyo Grande, California, for $3,250. That makes it affordable for those seeking an entry-level classic from the 1970s. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting this Japanese gem.
Subaru released its Leone range as the replacement for the outgoing 1000 model in 1971. It first hit North American showrooms in 1972 and remained on sale until an updated model was introduced in 1979. Our feature car is from the final production year and looks like a solid survivor. Its Plaza White paint doesn’t hold a mirror shine but is consistent across the entire vehicle. There are minor marks and imperfections, but these are expected on a survivor-grade classic. The panels have no significant bumps or bruises, and the only visible rust is a small spot that may be developing in the lower passenger-side front fender. However, the image quality may mean it is actually a photo imperfection, but addressing it would be straightforward if it is tin worm. It seems the car has spent its life in California, which helps explain the lack of significant corrosion problems beyond an area on the front bumper filler. The trim and glass look respectable for their age, and first impressions are that the new owner won’t face any urgent panel or paint issues with this beauty.
The Subaru’s interior isn’t perfect, but it is presentable for a vehicle of this vintage. The Blue vinyl upholstery and trim are free from wear and other issues, and the only faults worthy of mention are a cracked wheel, worn carpet, and the cracked dash pad. A replacement carpet set will lighten the new owner’s wallet by around $400, but the wheel and pad may present a greater hurdle. Searching the usual online auction sites or the local pick-a-part may be the only answer unless the buyer decides to source Polyvance or other products to attempt a DIY restoration. Alternatively, a $60 cover and a wheel wrap would hide the faults from prying eyes. The new owner won’t be overwhelmed with luxury appointments because they only receive a heater and an AM radio. However, that is consistent with buyer expectations during that era.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but lifting the hood should reveal a 1,595cc “boxer” four producing 67hp and 81 ft/lbs of torque. Disappointingly, this feeds to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission rather than the four or five-speed manual units. The self-shifter does stifle performance, with this car taking 20.4 seconds to cover the ¼-mile. However, it should cruise comfortably at highway speeds while returning fuel consumption figures of around 30mpg. The seller indicates that this DL is in excellent mechanical health and has recently received a new carburetor. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 55,000 genuine miles, but they confirm it has just successfully completed its smog certification. It appears to be a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
A 1979 Subaru DL may not be everyone’s idea of the ultimate classic, but this one is a survivor that is undoubtedly affordable. It is practical, and the price means it could also serve as an efficient and comfortable daily driver. Before dismissing it out of hand, try to remember the last time you saw one of these on your daily travels. Many readers will probably acknowledge that it has been years, and that factor makes it worth preserving.
This a sweet little gem. I had family members who had the 2 Dr and wagon. They were driven cross country. No problems since they had manual transmission. Climbing the Rockies would be a strain on the auto transmission of this one. So the only problem I see is being a auto and cracks in the dash pad. The steering wheel just cover it up. Otherwise when was the last time we seen a DL in this shape. Personally I saw one over 20 years ago. The other issued would be rust. We’re it is now no rust. Bring this back to NY and poof rust will start!! 😂 I feel this should stay out west to keep it looking good. Good luck to the next owner!! 🐻🇺🇸
I had a 78 model DL with a 5 speed great little car it was ragged out but I had it for a few years, turned me on a Subaru Man
Yes I may be in the minority here but I would love to give this that refresh to make it showroom and take it to cars and coffee shows. Sometimes having something not seen all that often at car shows becomes the most popular.
I don’t need another car right now, but if I did, I’d offer a couple thousand, and if I bought it, I’d just drive it and enjoy it. One of my sons introduced me to the peculiar qualities of Subarus years ago, and I fell in love with them.
Back when Subaru was unloved. Look at the brand now, 24 years later!
But SINGLE people on a budget WERE loved back then. When did this company last make a sporty less expensive TWO door ENTRY LEVEL AFFORDABLE car for THEM? Actually this now applies to ALL car companies for the US market. Those on a budget have been totally forgotten.
Back when Fuji Heavy Industries decided to build a real car. Few people knew what they were and it only got a foothold in areas where people bought into the idea of a 4wd car. I liked these and only ever drove one, my friends Mom’s BRAT. As for the auto trans it will be slow but you will know what gear you’re in by sight. The stick was like stirring soup and always appeared to be in the same position.
This one has been for sale for a couple of months with price range as high as 5950 to its current price…There is more rust there than the pictures suggest…If you zoom in you can see it…The trim on top of the bumpers show some wear and rust…..Being in the Central Coast of Caifornia may have detered a lot of potential buyes….
That or maybe fwd 2dr doesn’t drive the price up.
I had. 71 and my dad and I did a shade tree clean up and repaint. Had the engine rebuilt and drove it for years until the front shock towers started to rust out. I placed a 6×6 board between the towers. But then it wouldn’t pass PA inspection. With the engine rebuild you barley could here it running. It even had a tach on the far left side. Fun car.
I had a 79 DL but it was a 2 door hardtop and had a 4 speed, very fun car for what it was, good on gas commuter 80 miles a day. I played bumper cars on an icy Indiana highway one dark morning, passed a car and kept going when I straightened in left lane, the look on the ladies face as my headlights shined straight at her was wild, I went on around and banged her off the right side of the highway, as I went off the left.
Banged the quarter panel out and kept driving it, lasted until I got rear ended at a light from 2 cars back, even got $400 for it.
It may as well be 2wd as if you have a vintage Subaru that’s nice and it sees todays ice chemicals or salt, it will age quick. When my gl10 is done I may remove part of the rear driveshaft, or I may cut the cv joints and make it rear wheel drive, not sure yet, maybe I will do both, but will keep the rustier gl wagon for the winter( dual range tranny).
Would love to find a 83 84 2 door in New England, the shipping from WA is expensive.
This car is great, but this gen’s wipers are more fragile, I think it’s a 1.6 blue valve covers, small thin shifter. This gen won’t stand up to the rough winter like the loyale will or would
Great deal if your college-age kid needs a car. Job One, though: get rid of those hideous bumpers!
How does one wear out the carpet that bad in 55k miles?
Cheesy carpet material.
My son tried to clean the carpets in his old Subaru, and they disintegrated. We just made new ones out of remnants.
I had a 74 DL and the tin worm started eating that thing minutes after leaving the showroom. So the fact that this car even exists is a miracle. My car’s engine just kept going and going. Nice little pancake motor and everything was pretty easy to work on.
Cheesy carpet material.
Dad’s was a 78 DL manual.
The Chevy and Ford dealers ticked him off so bad with their dismissive attitudes when he went to see the Chevette and Fairmont he went across the river to Moline IL [we lived in Davenport IA at the time] and bought a brand new Subaru for his commute to the arsenal in Rock Island.
It even came with wire aftermarket dealer added hubcaps.
His first foreign car.
And his last new car.
He passed in 2009.
Lots of new car sales GM and Ford screwed themselves out of with my Dad.
But then, they’ve always thought as small car buyers as bottom feeders since the first Falcons and Corvairs became available.