Subaru Leone

Lore & Background

The first-generation Leone debuted on October 7, 1971, as a front-wheel drive coupé with DL, GL, and GSR trims. Sedans followed in April 1972. In September 1972, a four-wheel drive station wagon was released, appearing in the United States for the 1975 model year. The Leone was introduced before the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo to highlight its durability in adverse weather. Up to that time, four-wheel drive had been limited mainly to off-road vehicles, but Subaru broke this pattern with a mass-produced four-wheel drive passenger car, following a limited series of four-wheel drive FF-1 1300G wagons in 1971. The Leone competed with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sunny, Honda Civic, Mazda Familia, Isuzu Gemini, and Mitsubishi Lancer. It introduced frameless side windows for all Subaru models. The design was influenced by Nissan, with a long hood and short trunk. The 1400 RX coupé was one of the first Japanese cars with four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a 5-speed manual transmission. A two-door hardtop coupé with different bodywork arrived in June 1973. In March 1977, an updated range appeared with smoother body panels, a new dashboard, and a wider rear track. The second generation launched in June 1979 with a two-door hardtop coupé, four-door sedan, station wagon, and a three-door hatchback. New for this generation was a dual-range four-speed 4WD transmission with hi/lo gearing and manual ride height adjustment. In November 1981, Subaru introduced Japan's first all-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission, using a wet hydraulic multi-plate clutch engaged by a button.

Reader's Guide

The Subaru Leone is notable for bringing four-wheel drive to the mass-produced passenger car market, a feature that became Subaru's hallmark through the 1970s and 1980s. This led to particularly strong sales in regions such as Switzerland and Colorado. In Israel, due to the Arab League boycott, Subaru was the only Japanese car sold between 1973 and 1991, and the Leone held about 30% of the local passenger car market, totaling approximately 220,000–250,000 units. The Leone was also assembled from CKD kits in New Zealand from 1978 until the Legacy replaced it in 1993. In Australia, the 4WD wagon entered in 1975 and remained the only vehicle in its class until the early 1980s. The BRAT (coupé utility) was introduced for the 1978 model year in the United States, with two seats welded into the bed to evade the chicken tax on light commercial vehicles. The Leone's legacy includes its role as the predecessor to the Subaru Impreza and its establishment of Subaru's reputation for all-wheel-drive passenger cars.

Did You Know?

• The word 'Leone' is Italian for 'lion.'
• In Israel, the Subaru Leone held about 30% of the passenger car market between 1973 and 1991.
• The BRAT had two seats welded into its pickup bed to evade the U.S. chicken tax.