Subaru SVX: A Unique Piece of Subaru History
Subaru has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the United States with its small kei cars. Malcolm Bricklin introduced the first Subarus to American roads in 1968, and their quirky charm quickly gained attention. From the microscopic kei cars, Subaru progressed to slightly larger Leones in the following years. The 1980s brought bigger and better-equipped Leones, along with the sleek XT sports car. But it was the XT’s successor, the SVX, that truly made a statement with its wild design.
Named after the brightest star in Subaru’s logo constellation, the Alcyone SVX continued the legacy of its predecessor, the XT. The SVX, known as the Alcyone SVX in Japan, boasted a boxer-six engine. The first SVXs that arrived in the United States were equipped with a powerful 3.3-liter DOHC engine, producing an impressive 230 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the car’s early models only came with a four-speed automatic transmission, as Subaru didn’t have a manual transmission that could handle the engine’s output at the time.
However, these transmissions proved to be problematic in real-world usage. Subaru eventually improved their automatic transmissions to better handle the power of their H6 engines. For the first two years of its U.S. release, the SVX was offered exclusively as an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Front-wheel-drive versions were made available for the 1994 and 1995 model years, after which Subaru made all-wheel-drive standard across their entire lineup.
The SVX boasted unique styling, thanks to its acclaimed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The most distinctive feature was its window-within-a-window side glass treatment, which turned heads wherever it went – sometimes in admiration and sometimes in confusion. However, it was this bold design that made the SVX stand out on the road.
While the SVX was undeniably eye-catching, it came with a hefty price tag. As the most expensive Subaru available during its sales run from 1992 to 1997, the SVX targeted a more upscale market. This particular SVX in the junkyard is an LS-L model, the top trim level, with an MSRP in 1992 of $29,250. Adjusted for inflation, that’s approximately $65,728 in 2024 dollars. In comparison, the 1992 Subaru Justy started at just $6,445 ($14,483 after inflation). The price difference reflected Subaru’s shift in focus toward offering more practical all-wheel-drive vehicles to the American market after the SVX.
Despite its short-lived production run, the SVX left its mark as a unique piece of Subaru history. It truly embodied Subaru’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries in design and engineering. After the SVX ceased production, Subaru shifted gears and focused on providing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles that catered to practicality rather than avant-garde styling. However, the SVX remains a testament to Subaru’s innovative spirit.
Although this particular SVX in the Colorado junkyard had an impressive career nearing 200,000 miles, it pales in comparison to some of the highest-mileage Subarus documented in similar settings. One might wonder how this car would fare in a bustling city like Chicago, where extended urban gridlock is all too common. While the SVX’s ability to reach speeds over 140 miles per hour may seem impressive, it becomes less relevant when stuck in traffic and dealing with rising gas prices.
Interestingly, despite its performance capabilities, the Alcyone SVX’s home-market TV commercials took a different approach. Rather than showcasing roaring engines and screeching tires, these commercials embraced a different style altogether. Subaru opted for a more subtle approach, highlighting the car’s sophistication and unique design.
The SVX may have been a departure from Subaru’s usual lineup, but it will always hold a special place in the brand’s history. Its bold design, powerful engine, and limited production run make it a sought-after collector’s item among automotive enthusiasts. Whether admired for its unique styling or celebrated as a reminder of Subaru’s audacity, the SVX remains an icon of Subaru’s willingness to defy convention and create something truly extraordinary.