Blue cars of the 1990s were led by performance icons: the Subaru Impreza 22B STI, the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Mazda RX-7, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 and the BMW E36 M3. Paint colour does not change performance, but blue became tied to the decade’s fast cars through rally liveries and special editions.
Iconic 1990s cars often seen in blue
| Car | Years | Engine and power |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza 22B STI | 1998 (400 sold in Japan, 24 exported) | 2.2 L EJ22G turbo boxer, 280 PS (276 hp) officially |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34) | 1989-2002 | 2.6 L twin-turbo RB26DETT, advertised at 280 PS (276 hp) |
| Mazda RX-7 (FD) | 1991-2002 (U.S. and Canada 1993-1995) | 1.3 L twin-turbo rotary, 255 PS in 1992 rising to 280 PS in Japan; 252 hp in the 1993 U.S. car |
| Chevrolet Corvette C5 | 1997-2004 | 5.7 L LS1 V8, 345 hp at launch and 350 hp from 2001 |
| BMW E36 M3 | 1992-1999 | 3.0 L straight-six, 286 PS in Europe; 240 hp in the U.S. car sold from 1995 |
Subaru Impreza and the blue rally look
Subaru’s blue is tied to rallying. Colin McRae won the 1995 World Rally Championship drivers’ title for Subaru, and the team took three straight manufacturers’ titles from 1995 to 1997, in blue cars sponsored by State Express 555.
The 22B STI was the road-going tribute. It was built from March to August 1998, was finished in blue, and its name is the hexadecimal for 555. The first-generation WRX was never sold in North America; it arrived there for the 2008 model year.
Nissan Skyline GT-R
The 1990s GT-R used the 2.6-litre twin-turbo RB26DETT, advertised at 280 PS because of an industry agreement on a power cap. Tests suggested the real output was higher, around 327 hp. Magazine tests of the R34 reported 0-100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds.
Mazda RX-7 (FD)
The FD RX-7 was light, with Series 6 cars weighing roughly 1,220 to 1,330 kg depending on trim. Its sequential twin-turbo rotary engine made 255 PS at launch. It was sold in the U.S. and Canada from 1993 to 1995, which makes Canadian-market cars rarer than Japanese imports.
Chevrolet Corvette C5
The C5 launched for 1997 with the 345 hp LS1 V8, and the base car’s 0-60 mph time is commonly quoted at around 4.5 seconds. The 1998 Pace Car Replica was painted Radar Blue, and a later 2004 Commemorative Edition used Le Mans Blue Metallic.
BMW E36 M3
The European E36 M3 used a 2,990 cc straight-six rated at 286 PS, while the U.S. version was detuned to about 240 hp and went on sale in 1995. Check the colour and options on the car’s data plate rather than assuming a shade.
Buying a 1990s blue car in Canada
- Paint originality: check the colour code on the data plate and look for repaints, overspray and mismatched panels.
- Rust: inspect sills, floors, wheel arches and subframes, because road salt is hard on cars of this age.
- Imports: many of these models are Japan-market cars. Canada has an import rule for vehicles 15 years and older, so confirm the current Transport Canada and provincial requirements before you buy.
- History: prefer cars with service records and verified mileage, especially for turbo and rotary engines.
For more on the decade, see our guide to 1990s cars, our article on Japanese race cars and our older Subaru specs.
Sources: Wikipedia entries on the Subaru Impreza, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Corvette (C5) and BMW M3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most famous blue cars of the 1990s?
The Subaru Impreza 22B STI and its blue rally cars are among the most famous, along with the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Corvette C5 and BMW E36 M3, which were offered in or associated with blue shades.
Why is the Subaru Impreza 22B blue?
It was a road-car tribute to Subaru’s blue rally cars sponsored by State Express 555. The 22B name is the hexadecimal for 555.
How much power did the 1990s Nissan Skyline GT-R make?
It was advertised at 280 PS (276 hp) from the 2.6-litre twin-turbo RB26DETT, though tests suggested the real output was higher.
Was the Mazda RX-7 FD sold in Canada?
Yes. The third-generation RX-7 was sold in the U.S. and Canada from 1993 to 1995.
Does blue paint affect a car’s performance?
No. Paint colour has no effect on engine power or handling. Blue became linked to performance mainly through rally liveries and special editions.
Can I import a 1990s Japanese car to Canada?
Canada has an exemption for vehicles 15 years or older, but rules and inspections apply. Check current Transport Canada and provincial requirements before buying.
