It’s not often that the fictional Shed budget manages to stretch to something as exotic as a concept car, this is in fact a first, but the Subaru SVX is a genuine piece of automotive fancy.
Designed by famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SVX was most noted for its strange window-within-a-window design. The unusual decision to have miniature windows inside the window frame was taken to aid aerodynamics, improve visibility and provide a show-car feel to Subaru’s new premium executive model.
Few people would have thought that the dual-window design would have made it to production, but sure enough, the SVX (windows and all) found its way to the showrooms just under two years after its Tokyo motor show debut.
It went on sale with only one engine choice, a 3.3-litre six cylinder boxer unit that produced 230bhp and 228lb ft of torque. Built for comfort and refinement, the SVX still managed a decent turn of pace and could crack 60mph in 7.3sec and (if you believe what you read) would eventually top out at a claimed 182mph, although this was later limited to 154mph on the early cars.
Around 25,000 SVXs were produced during its five year lifespan, over half of which were exported to the United States. Only 2,478 officially made it to Europe, a large proportion of which ended up in Germany, which is why this SVX is such an unusual find.
Early cars were plagued by transmission failures as the automatic gearbox was prone to overheating, a problem that was later rectified. Other known problems include the excessive wear of rear wheel bearings due to insufficient lubrication and water seepage.
Apart from the non standard alloy wheels, this SVX looks in pretty good shape and has even had new brake pads at all corners. It comes complete with a service history and, according to the advert only needs the air conditioning re-gassing. Not even the seller’s ‘txt spk’ can put us off, well not much anyway.
PistonHeads advert reads: Subaru SVX
(1992) 88k, burgundy n black, 18" konig alloys with good tyres, new cambelt kit, pads all round, service history, 3.3 ltr automatic, cruise, heated front seats, full leather, good condition 4 year, electric windows x 4, tested till end of november. bad points . aircon needs regassin, if it sells 4 askin price will tax 4 6 months. Buxton Derbyshire. £1000.