I was never really into Subarus as a kid during the 90s, if only because the majority of Subarus you saw in New England in the 90s were beat up old Leones and Legacies. Once in a while an Impreza was spotted as well, but they were just another econobox in my eyes thanks to their naturally aspirated 1.8L or 2.2L engines that made less torque than one of my Powerwheels. Sure, there was the relatively rare 2.5 RS that was introduced to the US around the time that I started high school, but with a big wing, non-functional hood scoop, and 170 horsepower 2.5L, to my unenlightened teenage self it was just another stupid import that couldn’t hold a candle to a Mustang or Camaro.
Then the WRX finally came to the US, and that changed everything. Well, kind of.
See, the first WRX to hit our shore was the ‘02-03 version of the Impreza, known fondly as the “Bugeye”, since, well, it looked like this:
Not surprisingly, I ignored the weird turbo-charged beast and continued lusting over classic American vehicles throughout college. It was only in the mid 2000’s that I finally learned about the World Rally Championship and the “Rallying Imprezas” of the 90s that I started to pay attention to those buzzy little AWD four-bangers and their ilk.
Watching old footage from years past of Richard Burns, Colin McRae, and others piloting their little rocketships around sleepy countryside dirt roads was an eye opener, and I knew that I had to own a “classic” (93-01) Impreza WRX for myself. Of course, the WRX from this generation was never offered in the US, so I had to settle for that same 2.5RS that I ignored all those years ago; funny how that works.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love American Iron as much as the next Bangshifter, but there’s just something about the sound of a boxer motor at full tilt while the chassis itself is being tossed around through dirt, snow, and water; it really is something else as these guys can seriously drive.
Long story short, if you haven’t yet seen a WRC video from the 90s, here’s your first taste. Hope you enjoy it!
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH SOME CLASSIC 90’s SUBARU RALLY ACTION!
CARLOS SAINZ, you forgot about CARLOS!
I got my first taste of WRC in the 80’s when some were televised( ESPN or TNN?). This was in the Group B times, and boy howdy did THAT get my attention.
Then today, you have folks like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ2MCIzfUAI
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the madness that was Group B!
Saving that for another day.
Madness is an apt description. Up to 500 hp, some rear wheel drive only, lunatic spectators, horrendous crashes. Madness on a world stage.
Look forward to seeing which video you choose( I have my favorites)
We just took a low mileage 2011 STI in trade that I got to drive today………………respect! That little car flat rules and will pin you into the seat at will. I have driven some pretty serious cars but this one put a grin on my face like not many could. A guy could get into trouble with it.