Hibernator!

If cars could talk, the tales they could tell us would be amazing! Some of these cars have lived amazing lives, some not so much. But they all have hidden secrets and stories that would intrigue anyone who are interested in auto mobiles. So you might be wondering what this stock looking second generation Subaru Legacy is doing here.....

Well because it has an interesting story to tell us. Its life started out as a star on the hills of Sri Lanka, and as the years passed by it faced many hardships and now it has been re incarnated to live another day! 

So what is so special about this car? Maybe the picture above would give you a clue to as to what this car actually is. This is no ordinary Legacy, but an authentic Rally Sport version. May I repeat that, Authentic RS, not a conversion! (Sorry, some people tend to misread since of late!) This is Shakir Jamaldeen's pride and joy. This is probably one of the first resto-mod features we have done on OH! 

During the span of 7 long years, Shakir has taken this smoking, abused, crash bar wearing Legacy back to the way it was originally intended by its creators! With a little bit more punch of course under the hood. 

With the combination of original details and after market parts, what Shakir has come up with is a true sleeper car. A car that no one would take a second look at but if you do, something about it tells you that deep within, it is no run off the mill machine!

The RS was a Rally Sport wonder. The first models were not very competitive but they showed true promise. It wasn't until 1993 with Colin McRae at the wheel that took Subaru to record wins. Later on stars like Richard Burn's continued the legacy of the Legacy at Rally Stages around the world. 

This car is one of the authentic RS's on our roads today. It was once owned by the great Dinesh Deharagoda and it took part in many hill climbs. But after it changed hands, it lived a much more subdued life.

After many years like this, Shakir comes to the rescue. He was looking for a project car. A car that was unique. And the RS fitted the bill perfectly! 

Its amazing how much work that has gone into this car to bring it back to life! The work done on the complex turbo engine alone is astounding! Everything from cosmetics to mechanicals has been looked into on this car. 

It was nice to see that most of the original details had been left standard on the car! 

We cannot say the same of the engine though! The complex twin turbo system has been removed to make way for a single IHI VF24 Ball Bearing Turbo coupled with a STI intercooler. All of this controlled by a Stand alone Engine Management System courtesy of a Haltech Sprint 500.  STI injectors and a Walbro fuel pump aids in better fuel management and the K&N panel filter helps the car breathe more easily. 

All of this has made a world of difference to the way the car performs. Put your foot down on second gear and it just pulls like it was stung by a big fat bee. Boost has been left at 1 bar, according to Shakir its more than enough to keep him satisfied! 

A performance Subaru is rendered useless if you cannot hear the iconic Rumble from its Boxer engine and the Tanabe Hyper Medallion exhaust does just that. Its probably this and the loud blow off sound from the  Forged Motorsports BOV that warns others of the monster that lies within the simple exterior of this car!

Simplicity is maintained by the wheels. The original items do suit the car well, and its good that Shakir kept them. 

Behind the wheels sit the stock rotors but with upgraded Red Stuff Brake pads that help bring the car to a safe stop. 

Loved the tire tread! Other handling mods include Whiteline Anti Lift Kit,Anti-Roll Bar bushes and steering rack bushes. The steering rack also has been replaced with a STI V5 steering rack. 

Step inside, and you are greeted to a bunch of gauges and a lovely Momo Steering wheel, which by the way is the stock item. Shakir has gone to great lengths to preserve the originality of the interior which is a nice touch.

 Boost is monitored by this soldier here, a very rare authentic STI Genome gauge....

 While Oil temperature, Oil Pressure and Water Temperature is monitored by these Defi gauges! 

As mentioned before the interior has been left stock with good reason too! The original Bucket seats have been reupholstered in the factory spec material. 

 So combine all of that and what you get is this. A car which is not only fast but also quite comfy! 

The subtle looks will get you to places unnoticed, but put your foot down and you can leave everyone else in bewilderment. But saying that, a true petrol head and Subaru fan will notice this very special car anywhere!

I shall leave you guys with this! A big Thank you to Shakir for the taking the time to letting me shoot his pride and joy! Hope you guys enjoyed the post. 

By Charith Kulasiri