‘The thinking man’s Impreza’
Danny rescues a forgotten AWD hero
When you hear about a car that needs help it’s extremely difficult to turn it away. When you hear about an emerging classic that’s rare, practical and potentially huge fun, it’s virtually impossible. So when I get a call from Patrick Braim telling me that his sister’s old 1999 Subaru Legacy GX was in need of rescuing from potential stagnation, I jumped at it.
The car had been her pride and joy before she sadly passed away and the family wanted it to go to a home that would firstly, get it through an MOT and secondly, give it some love. I took the journey to Humberside, met the family, did a scrap money deal and trailered it home. One big service, brake overhaul and nearside sill later and I have a very competent AWD beastie to enjoy. It is a third generation car and has the flat-four 2.5-litre EJ251 Engine that means, even as an automatic, it is swift and supplies the classic Subaru warble on acceleration. It has much of the driver involvement of the Impreza, with leather-clad luxury. Yes, it is pretty juicy (24mpg) and yes, It fell firmly from the ugly tree, but Subarus will never rival Alfa for looks. But that’s not their point. It’s all about the drive.
THE VERDICT
Flat cornering, sticky road holding, immediate steering response and plenty of power to play with. I love it. Plus it’s a GS with optional self-levelling rear suspension and a twin-circuit towbar so it will be a useful tow car. A set of winter tyres and I’m ready for the dark months.