I’ve never seen one of these before. Were they aftermarket, like American Sunroof Conversions or factory? Tried to talk to the guy, but spooked him! Off he goes…Sorry for the terrible photo.
CC Outtake: Subie Convertible
– Posted on January 16, 2015
I think I vaguely remember these (there were so many convertible conversions for a while), but doubt I ever saw one the wild. Here’s a link: http://www.chromjuwelen.com/de/network/320-hooniversecom/171927-weekend-edition–a-very-rare-1983-subaru-leone-gl-convertible-conversion-on-ebay.html
I have neither seen nor heard of these before. Kinda cool, actually.
Funny that the Mustang next to it has its roof up. Unless they are owned by Snowbirds Subaru’s are not terribly common in Florida, but I bet this nifty conversion was created so the driver can enjoy the sun even more. Wonder what is the structural rigidity of this Subaru?
Teddy – from personal experience, I can say “very poor.” There were two runs of Subaru convertibles authorized by the importer (Subaru of America) – the American Sunroof Co. conversions, with a manual vinyl top, and the Matrix3 conversions, with a powered cloth top. I’ve heard estimates claiming that 200 of each were made, and they were sold new on dealer showroom floors. My Matrix3 conversion (originally a 1983 GL Hardtop) has safety certificate plates from both Matrix3 and Subaru.
The hardtops (and sedans) were offered with 4WD in 1983-84 only, I wonder if any of them got converted.
Bad enough that you cannot open the doors if you park one wheel on a curb?
Sweet looking car. I’ve never seen on in person. I’ve seen pictures of custom Subie convertibles.
Very nice. The beige color and ribbed taillights give it an R107 Mercedes SL vibe.
I always thought this generation looked best as a wagon or BRAT, followed by the hatch with the three-box cars flying the “Ugly Subaru” flag pretty much by themselves, and only being a bit awkward at that.
Gotta love the white steelies on the charcoal-with-blue car at the Chromjuwelen link!
The 3-box coupes actually had a really nifty true hardtop design, though it was only obvious if you were looking for it. Personally I always found the hatch awkward…
I feel like this is not the first time I’ve seen one of the convertibles, but I’m reasonably sure I’ve only seen photos and not the real thing.
Pretty cool ! .
There was a place in Long Beach , Ca. that made loads of Drop Top conversions in the 1980’s for many different local Dealers , after a while they got lazy & greedy , quality slipped and they folded up their tent , too bad .
-Nate
Nate, Matrix3 was the outfit in Long Beach; as I mentioned above, they did a number of these Subaru convertibles as well as many others. There’s a long thread over on the Japanese Nostalgic Car form documenting the coachbuilt convertibles that were produced in the ’70s and ’80s.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=659
Straman a bit further south made a bunch of conversions as well, Honda CRX among others.
Nate, you are absolutely right again. American Custom Conversions, tho very little info to be found on them. I think they did Preludes drop tops, and and the other ‘ludes, too.
Hatman, You can have the convertible. I will take the car you are in.
I’m guessing that’s a 2005 or newer Audi A6. But, whatever it is, I’ll take it over any Subaru with a boxer 4… especially one that has less structure.
2005 LS 430 Custom Lux ( top line below air suspension ultra, i.e. almost all options such as power door closers, radar cruise, automatic brakes ) w/ Sport Package, actually almost stiff. Triple black mint, cost less than a Honda Fit in 2011. Not one mechanical failure. Sorry, I know its bad mitzvah to be a braggart.
My true love is my old SC300, owned since 2004. Those telescopic door hinges and 2JZ alone make them special.
I have the last year of the LS430. My car is same color Ultra Edition equipped with the only option which was Pre Collision System. Best car I have ever owned. Have owned it since 2008.
I got the pre-collision- saved my stupid self a few times.
Here’s a link on that Subie, I saw him again yesterday- couldn’t get phone camera out and he must think I’m stalking him, he took off again.
http://www.ebaymotorsblog.com/1983-subaru-gl-convertible/
I saw an early 80’s Mazdz 626 convertible once and fell in love instantly. Here’s a Sunset Coach coversion:
http://rustybuttrusty.com/2010/01/19/super-mega-oddball-points-1982-mazda-626-convertible/
Back in the 80’s I used to see an older couple driving a black one with a black top and tan interior – I remember it even had a wooden luggage rack on the trunk. That was the only one I ever remember seeing in person.
I recall seeing one like this at my cousins house in the early 90s, but I don’t remember if it was a convertible or a coupe with a vinyl roof, I don’t even know if it was theirs.
I have to ask why do this? A LeBaron would have been better.