Little Lion: 1988 Subaru GL

Ask the average Joe what he knows about Subaru and he will probably talk about the new Forester or a variety of SUV-ish looking wagon-things that are designed to be lightly off-roaded and driven around the city.  Press a little more and Joe might talk about the sporty WRX or STI versions of the Impreza...but it is entirely likely that he is totally unaware of Subaru's interesting history of importing oddball economy cars into the US market starting in the 1960s with the Ladybug and continuing through the 80s with things like the GL. Find this 1988 Subaru GL offered for $3700 in Westchester, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Goes Like Flintstones: 1981 Subaru GLF

This next car is one of the few from a mass market automaker (Subaru, in this case) that elicits a "what?" response from even the most knowledgeable car nut.  The car in question is badged as a Subaru GLF...which elicits responses of "uhhhhh" from even astute Subaru-weenies...but the uber-savants will know this is a Leone also known as the Subaru GL, and with any luck that emblem on the front is one of the rare flip-out third headlight.  Good stuff! Find this 1981 Subaru GLF offered for $1850 via Portland, OR craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck,

Trusty But Slow: 1984 Subaru GL Hatchback

The 2nd generation Subaru Leone was sold in the USA with the somewhat lame and confusing "GL/DL/STD" badge on the back, but it shared a chassis with the BRAT and was known for its longevity in the face of basic commuting.  An 80s Subaru won't be the fastest car on the block, but it will always get you to your destination, even if you have to stop and smack the top of a carb a few times. Find this 1984 Subaru GL Hatchback offered for $1750 in Alexandria, VA via craigslist.

Leone On Me: 1983 Subaru GL Convertible

The 2nd generation Subaru Leone was sold in the US market without the Leone badge on the back -- it was called the 1800 GL, DL, or STD, but it has the same basic Subaru ruggedness and Subaruness. Find this 1983 Subaru 1800 GL Convertible offered for $3,600 in Lewiston, ME via craigslist.

Pre-Impreza: 1985 Subaru GL-10 Turbo

What is a good condition Subaru GL worth on the open market?  It sounds like an opening to bad a joke, but this is a serious question.  Just because the GL isn't a high dollar classic doesn't mean it isn't worth something to somebody, and there are certainly more overly restored 911s than nice condition GLs in the world.  Find this 1985 Subaru GL-10 Turbo offered for $1700 near Boise, ID via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

5k: Obey The Headlight: 1982 Subaru GL Wagon

In the world of vehicles equipped with hidden headlamps (and that is indeed a strange and magnificent world) few match the sheer brazen magnificence of the Subaru GL's cyclops middle headlight.  The Leone may not have been a lion on the street, but that wacky third headlight hidden under the Seven Sisters makes it king of the urban jungle.  Find this 1982 Subaru GL Wagon offered here on eBay for $5,300 buy-it-now located in Staten Island, NY from Roverclassic.

5k: Apocalypse Proof: 1987 Subaru GL 4WD Wagon

The second generation Subaru Leone was built from 1979 to 1989 as a sedan, coupe, hatchback and wagon on a shared platform with the Subaru Brat.  In stock form the Leone is a surprisingly capable off-roader, able to traverse slippery stuff with ease, but if you want to tackle rough/rocky terrain you will need something with more ground clearance and more off-road capability.  Find this 1987 Subaru GL 4WD Wagon currently bidding for $2,425 reserve-not-met with $6,050 buy-it-now on ebay with 3 days to go, located in Springfield, MO.  Tip from Vector Einstein. 

5k: 1980 Subaru DL Hatchback 4WD

The Subaru Leone (Italian for Lion) was a compact sedan manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1971 to 1994 and marketed as the DL in the USA.  It was the predecessor to the extremely successful Subaru Impreza, available as a coupe, sedan, hatchback, truck and wagon, and all Leones were powered by boxer-4 cylinder engines.  This 1980 Subaru DL Hatchback is equipped with a manual transmission, 4WD and is offered for $4500 in Bellevue, NE via craigslist.  Thanks to reader Andy L for the tip!