When was the last time you saw one of these?
What a blast from the past. This thing looks more awesome than we remember it being— although this particular owner’s choice of modifications could have something to do with it:
And here’s an amusing Japanese promo video from the era:
The Subaru XT, XT6, Vortex, and Alcyone is a 2-door coupé that sold from 1985 to 1991. The name Alcyone was used in Japan, the Vortex name was used in Australia and New Zealand, and the name XT (with the four-cylinder EA-82 engine) or XT6 (using the ER-27 six-cylinder engine), was sold in North America and Europe. All were available in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the year.
The Subaru XT was launched in February 1985 in the American market, followed by a June debut in Japan.
The Alcyone name comes from the brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster, on which the Subaru logo is based.
The XT range was replaced by the Subaru SVX in 1992 (source).
(Image via Speedhunters)
Motoring Con Brio 
The design is just a little bit inspired by 80’s sci-fi movies. At the time, these really stood out from the crowd. Still do.
brennerl said this on April 3, 2012 at 8:47 am
Always thought they looked like giant door stops.
Brandon: Richmond, VA said this on April 3, 2012 at 10:47 am
they don’t look conventionally great but they certainly don’t look bad, either. i think they are fascinating-looking little cars. definitely of that era, per larry (first commenter).
motoringconbrio said this on April 3, 2012 at 12:08 pm
it looks awesome because it has AUDI rally stripes on it! 🙂
Syed said this on April 3, 2012 at 2:08 pm
i don’t disagree with that, haha. i have always loved those particular rally stripes.
motoringconbrio said this on April 3, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Very nice, would love to have one someday….
R-sport said this on April 3, 2012 at 4:07 pm
audi is what subaru aspired to.
pretty lofty goal as car magazine uk once called it the half-witted quattro.
these things were awful to drive.
the replacement svx was better in every department and even today makes a decent touring car.
wm said this on April 3, 2012 at 6:30 pm
…not to mention a much nicer looker.
motoringconbrio said this on April 3, 2012 at 6:32 pm
The white basketweave rims make the look. The Audi Sport stripes are great on there too!
Automobiliac said this on April 3, 2012 at 10:30 pm
that music is on the Prius side of terrible.
tom d said this on April 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm
it’s a japanese car commercial from the 1980s 😉
motoringconbrio said this on April 4, 2012 at 11:16 pm
What is Toyota’s excuse?
tom d said this on April 4, 2012 at 11:56 pm
I seen one of these at Auction last thursday in Chiba, obviously not as clean as this but it’s the first one I seen in person 🙂
tokyobhoy said this on April 9, 2012 at 3:18 am