375,000km & Still Going Strong? This 1983 Subaru is a Proper Legend

Forget your fancy new crossovers, bru. This 1983 Subaru GL wagon has seen more of the world – and more load shedding – than your average Gautenger, and it's still kicking. Seriously, while you’re stressing about whether your new SUV will make it through the next power cut, this thing’s probably just chilling, ready for another 375,000 miles. It’s up for auction on Bring a Trailer right now, and it’s a surprisingly compelling case for buying something…different. We’re diving into why this quirky, old-school Subie is more than just a nostalgia trip, and why it might actually be a smart buy in a world of beige crossovers. It’s a reminder that cars used to be *weird* – and that’s a good thing. ## What Even *Is* a Subaru GL, and Why Should You Care? Look, let’s be honest, most of us associate Subaru with the Crosstrek and the Forester. Those are the best-selling Subarus in the U.S. market right now. But before Subaru became the king of the crossover, they were doing things…differently. Back in the day, Subaru wasn’t trying to blend in with the Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s. They were building cars that stood out. This 1983 Subaru GL wagon is a perfect example. It’s got a funky shape, a shifter-engaged four-wheel-drive system (jislaaik, that sounds proper!), and a spare tire placement that’s, well, let’s just say it’s *unique*. It's a gem from an era when Subarus were properly weird, and that's a compliment, boet. This wasn't a car designed to impress your neighbours in Sandton. It was built for practicality and, frankly, for a bit of adventure. ## 375,000km?! Is This Thing Going to Befok the Moment I Buy It? Okay, let's address the elephant in the garage. 375,000 miles. That’s a lot of kays. But before you write this Subie off as a rust bucket waiting to happen, consider this: the owners clearly cared for it. They didn't just bin it when things got tough. This isn’t some garage queen that’s been pampered its whole life. It’s a survivor. They’ve given it regular maintenance, including *two* engine overhauls. Two! That’s a proper investment, and speaks to the dedication of the previous owners. It’s admirable to put in that kind of work rather than just scrapping a car. It suggests the engine itself is solid, and that with a bit of TLC, this Subie could keep going for a long time. ## Black Diamond Edition: Stickers and Decals or a Genuine Piece of Subaru History? The “Black Diamond Edition” sounds fancy, right? Like a limited-run, collector’s item. Well, it’s a bit more…subtle. It appears to be mostly a stickers-and-decals package originally made for Colorado Subaru dealerships. But hey, the skiing analogy fits. If you were keen on hitting the slopes, a Subaru wagon of this era meant you'd never miss getting first tracks down the mountain, no matter how much snow fell overnight. ## 73 Horsepower: Will This Thing Even Get You Up Maluti Pass? Let's be real. This isn’t a performance machine. It’s not going to be challenging any Porsche 911s at the traffic lights. But with 73 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, it's got enough grunt to get the job done. It’s not exactly a WRX, but it’ll get wherever it’s pointed like a little Japanese mountain goat. Will it get you up Maluti Pass? Probably. Will you be overtaking a lot of trucks? Maybe not. But it's got character, and that counts for something. ## Rust, Resprays, and a Time Capsule Interior: What's the Condition Like? Let’s not sugarcoat it. This Subaru isn't perfect. There’s some rust noted on the body, but it looks like repairs have addressed anything major, and rust-proofing has been done. It had a respray in 2009, along with a reapplication of the graphics. It’s not a show car, but it shows nicely and is ideal for someone who actually wants to *drive* it. The interior, though? That’s where things get interesting. It's practically a time capsule. There’s some wear around the power window controls, but otherwise it's been carefully preserved. It’s as much of a 1980s time machine as a DeLorean DMC-12. You’ll be transported back to the days of leg warmers and synth-pop. ## So, Is It Worth Your Rands? (And What Could You Buy Instead?) Here's the kicker. The Crosstrek is a practically packaged vehicle with broad appeal, which is why it's a best-seller. But it's probably never going to be a collector item. This Subaru GL, on the other hand, has enough charm to go the distance and keep coming back for more. But what does it *cost*? That depends on the auction. But consider this: you could spend the same amount of money at Checkers on biltong. Delicious biltong, yes. But it won’t get you anywhere. This Subaru will. It's not about practicality, or even investment. It's about owning something different. Something with character. Something that reminds you that cars used to be *weird* – and that’s a good thing. It’s a chance to own a piece of automotive history, a reminder of a time when Subaru wasn't afraid to be different. **Verdict:** If you're looking for a sensible, modern SUV, look elsewhere. But if you want a quirky, characterful classic that's sure to turn heads (and maybe even spark a conversation), this 1983 Subaru GL is worth a serious look. It's a survivor, a testament to good engineering and dedicated ownership, and a whole lot of fun. Now, speaking of classic cars with character… are we overlooking the true potential of South Africa’s own automotive history? Click here to find out which locally-made legend deserves a second look.