1996 Subaru SVX

It’s time to check out the 1996 Subaru SVX LSi. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Joel Corallo, Senior Underwriter at Berkley One, tells us why he loves the 1996 Subaru SVX LSi.

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The Car

The Subaru SVX also named the “Alcyone”, the brightest star in a constellation represented in the company’s logo, was styled by famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro was responsible for the designs of a wide range of vehicles over his career, from the ordinary to extraordinary, including the DMC-12 DeLorean. Like the DeLorean, the SVX sports a wedge shape with window within window treatment but without the gullwing doors. Unlike the DeLorean, the Subaru SVX was a 2 x 2 with a very tight back seat. Powered by a 230 horsepower 3.3 Liter Boxer Flat six-cylinder engine, the SVX can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just over seven seconds with a top speed of 143+ mph. The car featured a 4-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The Collector

Subaru produced a total of just over 14,000 vehicles for the U.S. market between 1992 and 1996. While interesting in appearance and concept, the SVX was an unconventional entry for Subaru itself, which was known to be a little quirky and unconventional compared with most auto manufacturers in the 1990’s.

The Love

I owned this car! I love rare cars and having good luck with Subarus, I bought an SVX, figuring its unique appearance and all-wheel drive would make a nice cruiser in all types of weather. Even more rare, it came in Laguna Blue Pearl, the close relative of World Rally Blue Pearl seen on many Subaru WRXs that would become popular in the mid-2000’s. Alas, I only owned it for two years.

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Contributed by Joel Corallo

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.