Weird and wonderful: 1997 Subaru SVX

The future looked bright in the '90s

2y ago
1.4K

We're back once again with yet another hidden gem we've found for sale on Dubicars, and this one is a real treat.

As with our last post about the Cayenne S Transsyberia, this vehicle is exceptionally rare (around these parts at least) and it's entirely possible that this is the only one currently in the UAE.

Also known as the Alcyone SVX in Japan, this quirky looking coupe was Subaru's first foray into the luxury/performance segment, and they certainly did it in style.

Exterior

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro who is also responsible for the DMC Delorean, the SVX features a cockpit-like no other and legitimately it's inspired by an aircraft cockpit.

Upon gazing the SVX, one may notice there is a lot of glass that even extends to the A, B and C pillars, and it only gets weirder from there.

Not only does the SVX have something in common with the Delorean, but we can also throw in other legends like the McLaren F1 and Lamborghini Countach. But what is?

The windows are split in two with the bottom half winding down into the door panel via the electric controls, makes drives thru's quite a task. The upside is that it looks cool and you can open a window while it rains and not get wet.

Fun fact, it also has something in common with the first generation Prius with a drag coefficient of 0.29.

Interior

The '90s were a special time for car interiors. From wild materials used as dashboard trim to futuristic gauges and everything in between. Hardly futuristic in this day when everything is a button and massive screens,

The SVX offers space for four people (even though the ad says 5, we could imagine #5 might have to squeeze in) and for a car built in 1997, the interior is in immaculate condition.

Engine

Throughout the SVX's life span, only one engine was available, a 3.3-litre flat-six boxer engine with 230 hp. Connected to a 4-speed automatic, the SVX could do 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.

All-wheel drive was the norm during the early years of production, but front-wheel drive was introduced a few years later. This '97 model is an all-wheel-drive version giving one better traction and performance.

Anything else

As 1997 was the last year for production, this one is one of just 640 produced, making it a little rarer compared to the rest. This car is truly one of a kind in the UAE!

Fun fact, SVX stands for something and is not just a random assortment of letters. Subaru Vehicle X is what it stands for.

For more pictures, we've got a full gallery kindly provided to us by the seller. If you pick up the wheels are a different colour, that's because the rims were painted at some point.

Rumour has it, Subaru wants to bring the SVX back with a hybrid six-cylinder boxer engine.

Are you in love with this rare SVX? Click the link below to find this gem on Dubicars.

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