1989 Subaru Legacy RS

In the early 1990s, Subaru’s rally exploits turned the brand’s image on its head. From being staid, unimaginative all-wheel drive oddities that only a farmer might want, the cars campaigned by the likes of Ari Vatanen, Markku Alén, Colin McRae and Richard Burns became the darlings of the 1990s go-faster brigade, as the Legacy and Impreza conquered rally stages across the globe and won World Championships.

The first of these to appear was based on the successful Legacy four-door saloon and arrived in 1988 as the Legacy RS, with production starting in 1989. Designed to be homologated for 'Group A' competition, it featured a 220bhp, 2-litre, four-cam, 16v, EJ20 turbocharged flat-four mated to a 5-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive offering a top speed of 155mph.

First registered in 1989, this early generation RS Legacy was imported from Japan and has been with its current owner since 2014, kept in heated storage with (importantly) no external lighting, where this time-warp remains today having covered less than 1,200 miles since then. Sitting on a set of gold 15" 6-spoke alloy wheels, it's finished in Ceramic White (057) over a grey cloth and cord-trimmed interior, featuring light grey 'tricot' cloth inserts on the seats with matching door cards.

The factory specification includes a heated rear windscreen, 3-spoke leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a CD and cassette stereo, electrically adjustable folding door mirrors and electric windows. The Cherished Registration Number, G14 PWL, was purchased to go with the car as a respectful nod to Collin McRae's 'Group A'-winning Subaru Legacy, J314 PWL.

This Subaru Legacy RS Turbo is a very well presented time warp of the modern classic Japanese performance saloon, offered in impressive, original condition, and with low mileage. Presented in a timeless factory colour scheme, with a potent turbocharged flat-four, an engaging 5-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive, it would make an excellent addition to any collection of Japanese performance cars and an exciting yet practical retro daily driver or weekend toy.