1992 Subaru SVX

This example of the vanishingly rare SVX was originally supplied to the Japanese domestic market being first registered in Tokyo in July of 1992. The Subaru remained in the country of its manufacture until 2006 having been used and enjoyed by three keepers during that period. In 2006 the SVX was exported to the UK and was first registered here in April of that year. At that point the Subaru had covered around 54,000 miles.

Today the SVX is in the hands of a long-time car connoisseur and collector and presents in a condition that can be considered as good throughout. On the day of our shoot the odometer stood at 197,272 km (122,579 miles) underscoring its moderate but regular use in the last 19 years - around 3,500 miles a year on average since its arrival in the UK. With a new radiator fitted, a full service in January and a fresh MoT, this rare and desirable Subaru is ready for its next chapter.

From a distance the car looks superb but on closer inspection there are imperfections as well as evidence of body and paint work.

In 1991 Subaru described the SVX as “a bold and idealistic vision of the future.” It was certainly futuristic looking and interpreted the wedgy coupe concept much more elegantly than the similar looking Ford Probe and Vauxhall Calibra of the period. Subaru lavished much time and Yen on creating that distinctive canopy. They even developed a unique method of bonding glass and steel and invested in a one off curved glass-to-glass structure that delivered glass on all sides whilst externally hiding supporting structures. It all seems worth it – the SVX is a unique and captivating design.

It wasn’t at the cost of efficiency either with the SVX delivering a class leading drag coefficient of 0.29 cd. Those slippery and curvy double-sided galvanised metal panels combine with some resin moulded parts (such as the complex boot lid) to create an edifying whole. This is further emphasised by this car’s superb and distinctive Dark Red Mica (265) and Black two tone livery. The metallic russet shade is delineated from the black by a bright gold coachline. Both paintwork and bodywork look impressive indeed for a 1992 car with just the odd stone sized ding noted here and there.

In side profile that elaborate windows-within-windows feature predominates and was a prerequisite for achieving the curved, all-in-one look of the canopy. Accidently then, perhaps the SVX’s coolest feature. The original set of turbine style, 16-inch alloy wheels are present and, again, appear to be in great shape. A matching set of 225/50 configuration tyres are fitted.

Whilst the exterior of the SVX was a faithful interpretation of its concept car predecessor, replicating its quirky interior was a step too far for the creaking development budget. Out went the bonkers asymmetric steering wheel and floating centre console in favour of something luxurious and well screwed together but relatively conventional 1990’s JDM in ambiance.

This example features the full leather and Alcantara treatment making it a nice place to spend time. Even the liberal application of some of the faux-est of faux wood accents don’t detract from the classiness of this coupe’s cabin. The deeply bolstered seats exhibit a pleasing degree of patina but remain delightfully ruched and inviting looking. The swathes of grey Alcantara and black carpeting remain impressively presented indeed.

This is a generously equipped car too, especially for 1992. Refinements include electrically adjustable and heated seats, cruise control, central locking, CD and cassette player and split fold rear seats. The instrumentation is at the crystal end of the clarity spectrum (the tachometer currently appears inoperative), and the boot is wide and deep if not particularly tall. Access is good however and even a set of obligatory, jazzy, original JDM carpet mats are hidden away in here, to keep the space saver wheel, jack and tools company. 

The aforementioned 3.3-litre, flat six EG33 engine is an impressive design noted for its linear delivery and rorty but refined accompanying soundtrack. Lifting the bonnet of the SVX reveals this to be a well presented and highly original looking engine bay. The flat six advertises its headline specification courtesy of an embossed plaque and other ancillaries are helpfully labelled, too. The only area of obvious deterioration here is to the under bonnet insulation which seems to have suffered at the teeth of a capybara or other over-sized rodent at one corner.

The underside of the SVX looks impressive indeed, presumably aided in its preservation by its first 14 years being spent on the salt free roads of Japan. Impressively for a Japanese car of this vintage the SVX has never had an underside corrosion comment made on any of its MoTs since arriving in Blighty in 2006.

We note that the Rev counter isn't working the lights stay on unless the battery is disconnected and the gearbox is very lazy when changing gear. It also appears to get hot very quickly so the cooling system may need investigating. 

There is an instructive paperwork file accompanying this rare JDM GT. This includes the current V5 Registration Document. This is accompanied by the current MoT in hard copy which is valid until May 2026.

Other highlights include the original SVX book pack and logo emblazoned accompanying folder. There is also a translated document from the original Japanese which details the car’s previous Japanese ownership between 1992 and 2005. A number of invoices are present detailing parts procured, and services undertaken. Key amongst these is an invoice for a wheel alignment from 2024 and a full service from January 2025. It is reported that a new radiator has been recently fitted also.

Subaru had a habit of doing things a bit differently. They were capable of producing work-a-day but worthy workhorses like the Justy and the Leone alongside far more exotic fare like the XT and the SVX. In many ways the SVX represents a statement of peak marque confidence that few others would have dared to produce. Sharing no major parts with the rest of its contemporary Subaru range, the SVX was brave showcase for an ambitious marque who were teetering on the cusp of either going broke or achieving global recognition and admiration. Luckily the latter scenario prevailed and the SVX represents a historically significant milestone along that journey.

This example of the almost unicorn scarce SVX is a gem. It presents in, probably, the best colour and offers a degree of desirable originality which is rare to find in any modern classic from 1992. It’s that “never seen one before” exclusivity combined with the sky high specification that sets the SVX apart, however. The fact that such a remarkable, brave and unique car is today attainable at such a modest price point truly boggles the mind.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £7,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.