We’re in mourning this lunchtime. Even the tea-making roster has been suspended in the PH office. Yesterday afternoon we discovered that a regular ‘Turbo’ model won’t form part of the new Impreza line-up later this year; killed by Subaru’s pursuit of lower CO2 in Europe. This is a tragedy.
As a memorial – or perhaps protest – Shed of the Week devotes itself this Friday to a trusty example of the breed, and ironically, our ‘chosen one’ is not an import - as future WRX models will be - but an original ‘L’ plate UK Turbo 2000 in all its faded glory. Although you’d never call it a looker, there’s an honest functionalism to it that – for many people – has enormous appeal. Subaru, please take note.
It’s a ticket straight back in time to when a young Scot and an unlikely Japanese saloon was the quickest and most flamboyant combination on the world’s rally stages; a brand-establishing mix of outrageous pace for its class, dependability and good old fashioned value for money.
Clearly, this warrior has seen some action, and the green metallic was never the most inspiring of colours in the first place. Even the vendor admits it needs some TLC. Fundamentally however, it’s just brilliant and could be yours for the same price as a decent flat screen telly, and let’s face it, watching the WRC on the box isn’t much fun anymore either…
Advert: 1994 SUBARU IMPREZA Turbo 2000 4WD 4dr Saloon.L reg (1994) Manual, 150,000 miles, Green. 11 months MOT, 6 Months tax. Cat 1 Alarm/immobilizer. Cd changer. Ajustable boost, cotton green filter, 17" gold alloys. All usual extras, e/w e/m e/sr p/steering abs. Only selling due to change of job. Needs a little TLC plus high miles hence price. Very good runner. £1,700 ono.