Pick of the Day: 1987 Subaru Alcyone VR

Being unique and unconventional is a good thing. If everything was the same the world would be a dull place to reside, and I have enough boredom in my life. Parking lots have a lot of non-descript vehicles and it’s a boring scene of similarities with minimal differences on display.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. ― Oscar Wilde

Be bold. Be daring. Do you own thing. The Juke was a funky mess, but I commend Nissan for trying something different in a market segment loaded with carbon copy vehicles.

The Pick of the Day channels the independent spirit and the risks of developing bold designs that could backfire: a 1987 Subaru Alcyone VR listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Christiansburg, Virginia. This Alcyone was legally imported from Japan, has a clean Virginia title, and is right-hand drive.

“The Alcyone is marked as a pivotal moment in Subaru’s history,” the listing states. “Marking them down as a company that does anything but ordinary.”

The Alcyone’s wedge design has strong angles jutting out when glimpsed from any perspective. Its profile is distinct, its lines are often severe, and it is ultimately unique. The Alcyone’s design makes sense when you learn it was influenced by jet fighters. This aviation concept extends throughout the car and you might also invoke the words of a 19^th century writer when you get a glimpse of the interior.

Despite being jet fighter influenced the 1987 Subaru Alcyone isn’t particularly swift due to its 1.8-liter flat-four engine that produced a 120 horsepower. It looks quick standing still and that is a good thing. This example on ClassicCars.com is in solid shape, but like many of us over the age of 35 it needs repairs in a few spots.

I’ve been a writer in one capacity or another for maybe 20-years and I think this is the first instance that a car invoked the spirit of Oscar Wilde. The Subaru Alcyone is bold and definitely lives, as opposed to just existing.