Subaru is known for building turbocharged hot rods, but that reputation is born out of recent models like the WRX and Legacy GT. However, back in the 1980s, Subaru was already out in front with offering high-performance models with turbocharged powerplants. This RX hatchback is one of those elusive models that was sold in limited quantities when new, and incredibly hard to find now. This RX Turbo showed up here on eBay at a popular donation facility in rough but complete condition.
The idea of a turbocharged, 4WD hatchback was certainly becoming a topic of conversation in the 1980s, with Toyota taking a similar approach with the top-shelf Celica offering. The Subaru offered a few other upgrades in addition to the turbocharged flat-four, like a limited-slip differential, color-keyed hubcaps, unique decals, and an aggressive set of aero enhancements, including front and rear spoilers and side skirts. Amazingly, despite being a somewhat sorry-looking car, all of those rare parts remain attached.
I actually found one of these in my favorite salvage yard in western Massachusetts a few years ago, where I quickly asked the yard owner to pull the differential and the side skirts for my 1988 Subaru XT6 build. I eventually sold the differential for a tidy profit to a Datsun Roadster owner, as the RX LSD bolts right in. The front air dam and rear skirts went to a Subaru enthusiast who couldn’t find these incredibly fragile components, so all in all, I have a very fond memory of the profitable parts pulls yielded by an RX Turbo.
Like most donation vehicles, next to nothing is known about its history. There’s no key, so no way to see if it still runs. The seller is listing it as a non-runner with no reserve and just over 160,000 miles. While I doubt there’s much upside here in terms of restoring it, plenty of Subaru faithful will be rooting for you from the sidelines to make sure this rare RX Turbo gets another chance at living. When’s the last time you saw an RX Turbo?
Probably a pretty good performance car for it’s time, but it kind of looks like a matchbox car to me
Had this exact car in sedan form back in the day. The turbo took it from miserable slow to barely tolerable. Just an absolute beast in the snow thou.
This was in Subaru’s no-model-names days (at least in export markets that didn’t get keicars), so they referred to this body style as the “3-Door” alongside the (also 3-door) “Hatchback” which was a holdover from the previous generation. But it replaced the prior Hardtop.
Jeff, was that yard in Springfield?
I’m surprised this car was so far behind the fierce 1988 Mazda RX 7 turbo 2 who I found to be quite the sports car & a handful if not ready for that turbo hit! I was totally unaware of JDM in roads to performance until I was back from deployment & friend of mine loaned me his turbo 2 & that thing seemed like a rocket ship when spun up! I know about the apex seals but still a head scratcher I don’t see more of those prowling about. If this thing has half the performance that a RX 7 had please save it if not for yourself so other hooligans might know the turbo hit smile.
Head gasket leak in 5…4….3…2…
How true!!
No Leaks 🏎️
I see this Subie has the spare tire warmer under the hood too. Just like a Yugo.
It’s nice to work with a warm tire when changing a flat, especially in winter. Now all they need is a dash-mounted spare tire temperature gauge (or perhaps one of those pop out thermometers like a turkey, mounted in the valve stem) to let you know when your spare is done.
Fix it up – roll into the nearest Radwood show – and be a star.
It seems like I read something about these a few years ago being the lightest AWD platform for turning into a rally beast, but I could be very wrong. Anyone?
Wow what a find, the only old Ru i would want more than this is the 2 door 83 gl10 turbo.
I know my 1.8 turbos seem to puke the head gasket around 90 k, so the heads are probably cracked and the belt probably let go.
But???It looks like a rich guy had it, to me this thing looks almost flawless, maybe he got bored and it ran perfect, , i guess at this low of a price it wont matter , shipping wont be cheap To the rust belt.
This thing will get up and go compared to the Non turbo, Although i did have a worked 1.8 with higher compression and it was almost as good.
Yea this is a rare bird not all rotted out,
I have one in nearly mint condition if you are interested….. it’s an 87 with 90k miles in it.
Send it in and we’ll auction it for you!
Hi Sean, please email me photos & details to sworlinski at (g)mail.com (avoiding spam by writing it this way). Thanks.
Cool blast from the past, but run don’t walk from these rigs! That turbocharged engine was a piece of crap. I had an 85 turbo wagon that I loved, but that damn engine cracked heads twice on me and I finally sold it away. I even let it idle as recommended before turning off the engine EVERY TIME to ensure extra cooling and oiling. The turbo lasted fine, but heads, exhaust, and front differential all failed miserably. My family loves Subarus, but I will not touch another one.
SOLD for $1,225.
The ultra-rare “Jesus fish” edition!
i will keep everyone updated , possibly post YT video at pickup!
Thanks EZ!
Is this RX still for sale?