Highlights

• A fine example of the first 4x4 road car
• Extremely original and always kept with care
• The mechanics are efficient and numerous components have been replaced over the years
• Registered with the Italian Automotoclub Storico Italiano
• Certificate of Historic and Collectors' Significance
• Rare version with 1.8-litre engine and rich standard equipment

The Attractions

Famous for its avant-garde technical and styling choices, from 1972 Subaru consolidated its reputation by offering an insertable four-wheel drive system on its successful Leone. This made it the first mass-production road car with four-wheel drive, many years before the famous Audi Quattro. Thanks to its innovative technology, like its heir Impreza the Leone also achieved good results in the World Rally Championship, in which it participated from 1980 to 1989.

This example from 1984 is a station wagon from the second series, produced from 1979, equipped with the more powerful 1.8-litre opposed-cylinder engine.

It is presented in very original condition and it is evident that it has always been carefully kept and stored under cover by its only three previous owners, as evidenced by the good condition of the bodywork and paintwork, which show only a few minor defects due to age.

The mechanics have also received a lot of attention over the years and many components have been replaced with original parts: most recently, front and rear shock absorbers, front axle assembly, rear brake shoes and hoses, spark plug cables, thermostat, rear wheel cylinders, ball joint, radiator cap, fan bulb, front brake hoses and a Weber carburettor have been installed.

Registered with the Asi and equipped with a CRS, this Subaru represents a precious opportunity to acquire a car that is both extremely rare and very practical, still perfectly at home in light off-road conditions and suitable both for pleasant outings and for taking part in shows and rallies.

History and Documentation

• Subaru Leone 1,800 GLF Station Wagon of 1984, sold new in Italy
• Only three previous owners
• Registered with the Italian Automotoclub Storico Italiano with Certificate of Historical and Collector's Relevance
• Vintage number plates
• Odometer shows 154,200 km
• Service record booklet
• Always kept with care and stored indoors
• Overhaul valid until November 2026

Conditions

• The bodywork appears to be in good overall condition, with a few minor defects highlighted in the photo gallery
• The elegant grey-green metallic paint is still in good condition; the seller has informed us that there is a slight localised fading on the bonnet
• All panels appear correct and well aligned, as do the characteristic doors with frameless windows
• The underbody is clean and well maintained, with no traces of corrosion, as visible in the photos
• The wheels are in good condition but the seller suggests repainting them for a more pleasing appearance
• In the cabin, everything appears intact and well maintained, with clean grey velour plastics and upholstery free of visible defects
• The distinctive digital liquid crystal instrumentation works properly
• Very well equipped, with air conditioning, electrically operated windows, power steering and original fog lights, not connected because they do not meet Italian regulations
• The headlining is intact and clean
• We have been informed that everything works as it should

Mechanics

• Petrol engine with four opposed 1.8-litre cylinders and 90 hp
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• All-wheel drive insertable via a lever in the cockpit works properly
• This Subaru has always been maintained with care and over the years many components have been replaced with original parts as reported above
• Clean and tidy engine compartment
• The seller has reported to us that this Subaru is in excellent condition, is reliable and pleasant to drive and that it is still perfectly capable of tackling not too demanding off-road routes
• the four-wheel drive and reduced gears can be engaged by means of a lever in the cockpit that can be engaged both when the car is stationary and when it is moving on a route that becomes rough and saggy. However, parking manoeuvres with the four-wheel drive engaged should be avoided because the steering and the rotation of the transmission gears on the rear wheels becomes very hard at low speeds due to the car's 41 years of age.

BEFORE BUYING