The XT is an up and coming classic. This is a car that was boldly designed, came with an intriguing array of engines and drivetrains and is unlike anything Subaru has offered since.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the styling, some sort of mod-primordial sculpture that looks like a leftover set prop from Blade Runner. With hidden headlights, blacked out pillars and a thin taillight strip it meant business, though. It also belied an extremely low drag coefficient of .29, resulting in good gas mileage and low wind noise. I really can't imagine what kind of person bought these new but they might have been funky, outside-the-box thinkers.
The mechanicals were just as intriguing, ranging from naturally aspirated and FWD to turbo and all-wheel drive. This survivor is half way between, with FWD but a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produced 15 horsepower.
Inside, drivers became more like pilots. The dashboard was inspired by fighter jets with a bizarre asymmetrical steering wheel, pods of buttons, and instrumental cluster that moved with the wheel when it tilted and telescoped.
The seller says the odometer is accurate, but they bought the car from a Subaru specialist who freshened the engine and put in a new transmission. They say it runs and drives fine, a/c blows cold and power windows work.
These cars are endangered. Few were sold and even fewer remain due. It's beyond time we rescue these and start giving them proper recognition as a classic Japanese car.
Available here on ebay.
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