Undoubtedly, one of the most audacious initiatives by Subaru, the SVX, now finds itself on the fringe of automotive lore. This premium GT, celebrated for its cutting-edge technology, did not achieve the sales success anticipated and was never succeeded by a new model. A particular white SVX holds an extraordinary position in the heart and collection of a dedicated enthusiast. For over twenty years, Robbert has cherished owning this Subaru, embarking on countless journeys with it, and has no intention of ever letting it go.
Subaru Vehicle X
The SVX designation, utilized for marketing the vehicle outside of Japan, stands for Subaru Vehicle X. This name symbolizes the company's most ambitious venture to date – its sole venture into the global performance luxury coupe market. Traditionally recognized for producing robust and reliable utility vehicles, Subaru faced significant challenges in persuading consumers to invest in this luxury model. With a starting price of around $25,000 in the US, the SVX was priced at least $8,000 higher than any other Subaru model available, and the company incurred losses on each unit sold. In comparison to its primary competitors, the Mitsubishi 3000GT and Nissan 300ZX, the SVX emerged as a notable sales disappointment.
The initial sales challenges of the SVX have, over time, lent it an air of exclusivity often reserved for far more exotic vehicles. This sense of uniqueness is enhanced by the vehicle's striking appearance, a testament to the brilliant design work of Giorgetto Giugiaro. Upon encountering this car in Robbert's garage, its allure was undeniable, even though it was parked alongside such distinguished company as a Tesla Roadster and a Lancia Fulvia, among other prestigious automobiles. Bold designs like this seldom advance beyond the concept phase, yet Subaru daringly brought it to market. The distinctive fighter-jet-inspired double side windows and the sleek, unified horizontal tail-light are truly captivating features.
The looks are backed by sufficient power, coming with courtesy of 3.3 liter 6-cylinder boxer engine. All of the SVXs came with an automatic transmission, as none of the Subaru’s manual gearboxes at the time could handle the torque of this engine. Although some petrolheads frown upon such gearbox choice, the 4 speed auto and AWD (some cheaper SVXs were FWD) complements the cars GT character quite well. It is no slouch either - even though the vehicle is quite heavy at almost 1600 kgs, it can sprint to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds, which is fine for an early 90s car.
Clearly then, Robbert is quite happy both with the cars styling and its performance – he has owned it since 1997. Back in the 90s he was running the biggest Subaru dealership network in the Netherlands, and sold this car in particular to a customer of his in 1992. Some years later, he bought it back and has owned it ever since. During that time, he has taken the car to a number of trips to Europe and views the car as a part of the family now. Although he now has multiple cars in his collection, SVX is the one he’d be most reluctant to part with.
Sound, Vision and Smell
The interior of the SVX, known for its quietude, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and was offered in two trims: the blend of suede and cloth showcased here, and an all-suede variant in the higher specification model. When it comes to the interior materials, it's noteworthy that all the wood detailing is actually synthetic. Initially, this might appear as a cost-cutting strategy by Subaru, yet Robbert highlighted an important advantage: plastic's superior durability over time. This insight brings to mind the challenges of peeling and deteriorating wood commonly found in 1970s Jaguars, underscoring the practicality of Subaru's choice.
The theme of straightforward functionality extends throughout the SVX's interior, where every material, switch, and button not only feels high-quality but eschews the inclusion of overly futuristic, space-age LED gauges in favor of elegant analog displays. The audio system components are discreetly concealed behind plastic panels. Aside from the somewhat bulky air-bag-equipped steering wheel, the interior has aged gracefully, presenting a more refined appearance than many of its 1990s counterparts. An interesting characteristic to note is the vehicle's interior aroma. Despite its status as a premium automobile, the SVX shares the distinctive scent common to many Japanese cars of its era. It was a surprising discovery to find that this exclusive GT car carries the same olfactory signature as other Hondas, Mazdas, and Subarus from that time period.
However, the resemblances to the econo-boxes of the '90s stop there. The SVX boasts a remarkably rattle-free and noiseless interior, excelling in providing its occupants with a serene haven from the external environment. On the exterior, the dual exhaust tips emit a unique melody characteristic of a flat-6 engine, reminiscent of a 911, yet this robust sound barely permeates the interior. Impressively, the car also manages to minimize wind noise while cruising on the highway, a feat attributable in part to its exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.29. It's no wonder, then, that the owner frequently selects this vehicle for extended trips.
There are not many SVXs around these days, but the rarity not affected their prices too much. A decent one can be bought for around 5000 €, which is not much considering how exclusive and luxurious the car is. Granted, finding one may take a while, as the enthusiasts of these cars tend to hold on to them.
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