Subaru RX - the history

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:58 pm

OK. Gonna start something hoping others can finish it off.

The first Subaru RX was not the Impreza, and it wasn't the L Series, nor was it the MY series.
If anyone recalls the TV ad someone dredged up on utube or something a while back, it was an ugly two door like the GSR we got here with the twin carbs. It had black stripes and RX on the side. It must've ben 4WD but what else? Just twin carbs or was it turbo too??

there is no mention of it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Leone but it has the RX L at 190HP @6500rpm

Post by **Captain Obvious** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:45 am

i have seen a few things about the over the years, they were a MY coupe, as you have said the had the RX decals on the doors, and twin carbs, but they were twin down draft card, as in the basicly sat on top of the head not in the centre of the manifold.

sublime · Post by **sublime** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:52 pm

As you have noted steptoe the original RX was released in 1972 as more sporting version of the Leone coupe. It was equiped with 4 wheel disc brakes and a 5 speed transmission as standard (Unlike the GSR). No 4WD or turbo in those days, just the same twin carb motor (EA63S) as fitted to the GSR. From the sales catalogues I have it looks like the RX was marketed towards the rally/race types while the GSR was more sport/luxury.

The coupe in the Leone ad on youtube appears to be a GSR not an RX. And 'ugly' is only a personal opinion!!

The RX had black body striping (which you could have on the GSR too) and a large 'RX' sticker on the bonnet and boot. There was also a small '5speeds' badge on the boot too.

Basically the RX was a 'trim' option on Leone models from the start in 1972. It was not until the 'MY' that there was 4WD and turbo as part of the package.

I note the wikipedia entry for the Leone has been updated and includes a photo of the RX. You can just make out the RX on the bonnet. The early RX (1972 to early 1977) only came in two colours a greenish blue or silver (as per the wikipedia entry) and had black windscreen wipers instead of silver like the other coupes. I believe from the 1977 facelift different colours were available. Also from 1977 the RX was completely blacked out, any items that would have been chrome on a GL coupe were done in black.