Subaru has won three World Rally Driver's Championships and Manufacturer's Championships. It's a very different set of awards to those collected by Ferrari, for example. As such, the fan base is quite different too.
Subaru fans aren't so much into Italian leather, golf, and driving gloves. But rather, the backwards cap world of street racing and rallying.
As such, we've accumulated a collection of appropriate gifts for Subaru fans.
Models
Tamiya is one of the top model makers. Its models and remote control vehicles alike have a well-earned reputation for detail and quality. This is a 1:24 scale model of the 1999 WRC car that didn't do terribly well but introduced a lot of new tech that was used to great success on later Subaru WRC cars.
On track, Subaru has enjoyed more recent success in endurance racing. This 1:10 scale kit is based on the winner of the 2016 24 Hour race at the Nu00fcrburgring. It sits on Tamiya's hardy TT-02 chassis and is powered by its 540 electric motor. It's a superb starter kit for those looking to get into Tamiya.
www.diecastmodelswholesale.com
An often forgotten car from Subaru is its rugged little pickup, known by various names depending on where you are in the world. It's an endearing little thing that was very good by the standards of the day. This is a 1:25 scale kit. Decorate it true to form, or let your imagination run loose.
www.1001hobbies.co.uk
This is a model of a car that Colin McRae drove earlier on in his WRC career. This kit is 1:24 scale and will give you several hours of detailed entertainment. Paint and glue needs to be bought separately.
Driving experience
www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Subaru fans love driving, so it seems only sensible to give them a proper driving experience in a Subaru rally car. At this driving experience, the participant will also drive a Ford Escort RS2000 and Peugeot 206 Super Cup. They will be taught proper rally driving techniques on a proper rally stage.
Art
Who better than to spice up your wall with a dose of rally recklessness than Colin McRae? McRaeu2019s eternal wisdom accompanying you may be just the source of inspiration you need when a mental blockage strikes. Plus, the Blobeye Subaru doing what it does best also reminds you of what Subaru used to be. This canvas is mounted on a pine frame ready for hanging.
www.etsy.com
An alternative rally print to the one above, just with fewer quotes and more dirt. It too comes ready-mounted on a pine frame. Available in different sizes.
Merchandise
www.demon-tweeks.com
Ordinarily, we aren't too fussed on mugs. This is an exception because it's awesome. 300ml volume, high gloss finish, microwave and dishwasher safe.
www.demon-tweeks.com
Subaru World Rally Team colours on socks? Yes please.
haynes.com
This covers the Subaru Impreza rally car from 1993 to 2008. It is the vehicle that brought global fame to the brand and this book focuses on the design and engineering behind the evolving rally legend.
Scoobyworld
This is a little different. Scoobyworld has an extensive range of genuine Subaru parts and accessories. You can, for example, get Prodrive wheels, Subaru gearknobs, and mechanical parts. If there is something specific your beloved Subaru fan and owner wants, perhaps you should head this way.
Car care
Ceramic coating is a recent development for paintwork protection. We have a full guide on the subject. It is a liquid that contains silicon dioxide polymers that adhere to bodywork and create a very strong and hard-wearing protective coating.
This Autoglym product consists of UHD Preparation and UHD Ceramic Coating. Once you have cleaned and polished your car, you can apply the UHD Preparation, which will remove any wax, sealants, or oils on the paintwork. Once you have done this and wiped away residue, you can apply the UHD Ceramic Coating. Apply it one panel at a time, or even half a panel. Then buff it off once a film has formed.
www.carparts4less.co.uk
Subarus have those enviable gold wheels. Keep them protected and looking cleaner for longer with some wheel sealant. This stuff is for use on aluminium, coated, chrome, and painted wheels. It takes longer to apply than a spray but the trade-off is you can expect better protection. Not only does it repel brake dust, but also extra sticky stuff such as tar and bugs. Apply an extra coat or two to further enhance the protection.
Chris Williams is a Senior Product Writer for CAR, also working for Live For The Outdoors. An expert in camping and muscle cars, he spends most of his time up a mountain or laying rubber.