| Make: | Subaru |
| Model: | Convertible |
| Type: | Convertible |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Year: | 1983 |
| Mileage: | 72800 |
| VIN: | JS1AW4342D3313879 |
| Color: | Blue |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Interior color: | Blue |
| Drive side: | Left-Hand Drive |
| Vehicle Title: | Clean |
| Item location: | Portland, Maine, United States |
Attention all Subaru fans- it's the real thing-
You won't find many Subaru Convertibles on the auction block- there were about 100 +/- ever built. In 1983 (and possible early 1984) about 100 Subaru GL were sent from the factory in Japan to California and California Custom Coachworks converted them into convertibles! This is one of the survivors-and it's a 5 speed with less than 73,000 miles! It's not a gem BUT definitely restorable. I drove this recently about 7 miles (**more to say on that **) - It's been in garage storage since year 2003.
VERY IMPORTANT- the title for this car has long been lost- To the best of my knowledge it has been in the state of Maine all or nearly all it's years. Maine will not title a vehicle as old as this. I will register the car and sell it with the current Maine registration signed over to the new owner. To the best of my knowledge that is sufficient documentation to register the car in most (or all?) states- BUT I encourage the potential buyers to verify this. You will get a signed over valid Maine state registration and no title will be available.
A list of some of the cons - and only what I currently know of:**The water pump leaks ( this is a reason I only drove it 7 miles).**There is a terrible rumbling in the left front suspension /axle area (I have examined and believe it ' due to a very loose axle /CV joint as I didn't find other obvious issue) - a second reason I only drove it 7 mile).-Rust underneath- yes it exists- I've tried to show adequate photos. It does need some rust repair on the underside - I've seen and actually repaired myself much worse than this car has.-Dent in the drivers door and left front fender (not too big)-Windows- the front and right rear windows (power) move but not fully up or down and certainly stiff. I could not get the left rear to move.-Engine starts and runs well after a quick warm up. Certainly the new owner will want to go over and make repairs as necessary- everything is really old under the hood. Also, brakes actually felt okay on my short test drive but they too are really old and I'm certain should be gone over and repairs done as needed. Exhaust is reasonable quiet- but has over the years had sections weld in.-The interior is filthy and far from great- mice have found there way in then car over the years- The carpet is worn. I believe a good cleaning will greatly improve things- but still it's an old car and without redoing everything it won't be perfect.-Windshield mirror needs to be reattached, mirror glass on passengers side exterior is missing.-Fuel sender unit is leaking.-Oil leak at engine (probably oil pan or gasket)- visible oil leaks- over 3 months it made a spot about the size of a silver dollar while I stored the car on concrete.-The left front tire went flat over a 3 month period- at the age of the tires this car has it absolutely needs new tire all the way around. When I inflate the left front tire it will hold long enough for transport I believe.
No doubt the "cons" list is more than I've mentioned. I have only spent a couple hours examining the car and that in no way is enough time to possible find all flaws. I've been a foreign car mechanic most of my life and believe of the hand full of Subaru Convertibles that likely remain this may be among better- most of them likely went to the scrapyard 35 or more years ago and this one has just been resting in a garage.
The car is currently located very near Portland Maine.
As a courtesy I will offer up to 125 miles of FREE transport (it would get the car to Boston or similar distance from Portland and I'm glad to include transport companies for the drop off. You the buyer would need to make ALL the arrangements with the transport company.
If you have serious interest and reasonable questions I will do my best to answer them. If you are a Subaru fanatic this is a VERY RARE opportunity to get a really COOL piece of history and enjoyment. My original plan was to personally restore this gem- BUT reality is I won't get to it in my life time- so off it goes!
I found the original California Custom Coach works Certificate and it's included - also the original California Custom Coachworks Emblem ( looks a bit weathered) -but it goes with the car. It took a bit of fussing with the trunk release to open the trunk- likley needs cable adjustment.. A "poor" condition owners manual is also included.
Also- for an old convertible I want to mention the doors line up very well and open and close just as they should! Serious buyers are welcome to contact me with questions and I'll do my best to answer them.