The Gravel What?
Yes, it's a silly name, but the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express was a pioneering model in many ways. Launched in 1995 as a limited-run special in Japan, only 1,300 of these were ever built, and it is an incredibly rare car these days. So rare, in fact, that manufacturer photos are few and far between. We ended up heading to Cars & Bids and Bring a Trailer for clearer photos of this oddly-named JDM special.
Mind you, this wasn't the only special edition Impreza sold exclusively in its home market. There were literally dozens made throughout the first-generation model's production run. But what makes the Gravel Express special is that the niche model would form the basis of one of Subaru's best-selling models.
Wagon on Tall Tires
One thing you should know about the Gravel Express is that the first-generation Outback Sport actually pre-dated it by about a year. The formulas applied to these models were similar, though. Simply put: take an Impreza Wagon, give it a few more inches of ground clearance, and slap on generous body cladding.
Okay, the Gravel Express didn't get the same amount of cladding as the Outback Sport, but it did gain a couple of off-road-oriented accessories. Notable additions included a pair of roof rails, a rear spare tire carrier, and a faux stepboard. That said, we're not entirely sure if the front bullbar was standard or an optional accessory. Some examples that we saw for sale either had it or didn't.
Cars & Bids
Of Course, Japan Gets the Cooler Version
But the biggest difference between the Outback Sport and Gravel Express could be seen under the hood. Instead of a 2.2-liter engine fitted to the American model, the Japanese version got a 2.0-liter turbocharged mill straight from the JDM WRX from the same era.
The result was 256 horsepower coursed through all four wheels, putting emphasis on the Express part of its name. By comparison, the Outback Sport's naturally-aspirated 2.2-liter mustered just 135 hp. It didn't come with a manual, though, and the only transmission choice was a four-speed automatic.
One can say that the Gravel Express' DNA has spread to other models in the company's lineup. The whole idea of a lifted five-door Impreza eventually bore successive generations of the Outback Sport. Eventually, that model evolved into what we now know as the Crosstrek. It's just a shame we don't get boosted Crosstreks these days, so you'll need to build one yourself if you want a true modern interpretation of the Gravel Express. At least the WRX Wagon is still around, but you'll have to go abroad to get one.
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