Back to the Future: CALIFORNIACLASSIX Amazing 1988 Subaru XT Coupe!

Back to the Future: 1988 Subaru XT Coupe!

At a time when a Toyota 2000GT sells for $1M, Mazda Cosmo for $100K, nd a Datsun 240Z for $50K, t might be time to have a closer look at some of the up-and-coming collectibles from the land of the rising sun.

Sold as the Alcyone in Japan and the Vortex in Australia, ubaru's XT model was the company's first real attempt to produce an affordable sports car. Drawing heavily from Fuji Heavy Industries' aircraft heritage, t looked outright futuristic in the 1980s and remains so today, n a charming, ack-to-the-future kind of way.

Built between 1985 and 1991, he XT helped Subaru cement its reputation for building bullet-proof cars that are different, on-conformist, et as exciting to own as they are affordable to maintain. The 1988 model presented here, IN *JF1AX4322JC304005*, ust be one of the cleanest and best preserved examples in the country.

What it shares with old Porsches and Volkswagens is the 4-cylinder Boxer engine. In fact, any VW Busses and Transporters have received a new lease of life by installing a Subaru engine. This XT is powered by a 1.8-liter unit fed by multi-port fuel-injection, reating a lively 97hp at 5,200rpm -- in line with the most powerful, .0-liter Porsche 914s -- and lives in a sanitary engine compartment.

Since the XT was driven less than 3,200 miles annually, n average, he engine itself is immaculately clean as well, ith all labels still attached and the gold cadmium plating perfectly preserved. It runs and looks like it's two, ot twenty-seven years old!

The powerplant's boxer configuration and low build height made the fighter-style, edge-shaped, uper-low front end possible, n tune with the aircraft theme implemented throughout. Even the retractable door handles are straight off of a Fuji FA200 Aero Subaru aircraft, styling excercise that continues inside.
Body and XT-specific alloy wheels -- shod with near-new radials -- are in exceptionally eye-pleasing, ropsworthy preserved condition. There are no chips, ings, ents, ubbles, r scratches in the diamond blue metallic paint and the car has zero rust issues!

Perforated blue headliner and sunvisors are all original and like new. Dome light works as it should.

The instrument cluster, ble to move laterally with the asymmetrical steering wheel, nd pod-mounted controls are clearly aircraft inspired, nd the "pistol grip" shifter with on-demand top button on the 4-speed automatic transmission entices you to go to "weapons hot" and pew-pew at incoming MiGs . . . or maybe just that guy in front of you, ho's asleep at the wheel while blocking the fast lane.
The XT is very well-equipped, eaturing power windows, ocks and mirrors, s well as A/C.

Although equipped with conventional analog gauges, he light show is clearly of Star Wars caliber. Dual space pods contain vital controls. Air conditioning is ice cold and e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g works as it should, ncluding the factory-installed, tate-of-the-art audio system.

Comfortable, uxury sport seats are multi-adjustable, ith a cool, xpandable chrome lever working the height adjustment function.

Rear seats look unused. There's no appreciable wear on the cool, lue-striped fabric.

Even the lighting on the wedge-shaped rear end is space ship inspired. All of the lights work.

Cavernous trunk space is fully carpeted. Spare is mounted below the back shelf. Factory tool rool is unused. Original owner's handbook is included as well.

This two-owner, ife-long West Coast car starts, uns and drives absolutely perfect, ith no ill behavior or issues of any kind. We've just had it professionally inspected; all it needed was a $8 axle bearing, hich we promptly had replaced.
Instead of driving a bread-and-butter soap box that will depreciate at a fast pace, ou can be '80s cool in this Subary XT Sports Coupe that will wow the crowds. It costs little, s easy to maintain, ets fabulous gas mileage, nd needs nothing but an appreciative new owner.

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, y appointment, uring the auction, r have someone inspect it for you. Please, erform your due diligence before you bid.
Please, ote that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551.

Auction Presentation, mage Hosting, Copyright © 1999-2015 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved.
Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark.
In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, o part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author.
E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.