From Racing Roots to Rally Legends: The Buzzetta Subaru Collection

The Buzzetta Subaru Collection is a tribute to Subaru’s storied history in performance and rally racing, brought to life by James Buzzetta, a third-generation automotive enthusiast. Showcased at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, this exhibit highlights Subaru’s evolution—from its humble beginnings to its dominance in motorsports—through a curated selection of iconic models.

James Buzzetta’s deep-rooted passion for cars stems from his family’s legacy, beginning with his grandfather, Joe Buzzetta. Joe transformed a modest repair shop into a thriving dealership empire after meeting Max Hoffman, the visionary importer who introduced European cars to the U.S. As Porsche’s first American factory race driver, Joe’s competitive spirit and dedication to excellence laid the foundation for what is now Competition Auto Group, a business spanning five dealerships and over 500 employees. James continues this tradition by preserving and celebrating Subaru’s heritage through his impressive collection.

Highlights from the Collection

Among the standout vehicles in this exhibit, here are just three of the models that exemplify Subaru’s groundbreaking engineering, rally heritage, and performance-driven innovation:

The 1991 Subaru Legacy Turbo was a turning point for the brand, introducing turbocharged power and Subaru’s now-legendary all-wheel-drive system. With a rally-inspired 2.0-liter turbo flat-four engine, this car laid the foundation for Subaru’s motorsport success, influencing future WRX and STI models. Its role in establishing Subaru’s reputation for performance and durability makes it a pivotal piece of the brand’s history.

The 2004 Subaru WRX STI marked the arrival of Subaru’s high-performance rally machine in the U.S. With a 2.5L turbocharged engine, aggressive aerodynamics, and a track-ready suspension, it quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts. This model helped solidify Subaru’s dominance in the affordable performance segment and remains a defining car in the WRX STI lineup.

The 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 represents the peak of Subaru’s performance engineering. As the most powerful STI ever sold in the U.S., this ultra-limited edition model (only 209 units produced) features an upgraded turbocharger, enhanced aerodynamics, and track-focused tuning by Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Hand-built for maximum performance, the S209 is the ultimate expression of Subaru’s rally heritage and engineering expertise.

A Celebration of Subaru’s Legacy

The Buzzetta Subaru Collection is more than just an exhibit—it’s a tribute to Subaru’s history, innovation, and racing spirit. Each vehicle on display tells a story of engineering breakthroughs, rally victories, and passionate enthusiasts who have helped shape the brand’s legacy.

Visitors to the New York International Auto Show will have a rare opportunity to explore these iconic cars up close, gaining a deeper appreciation for Subaru’s evolution from a small Japanese automaker to a global performance powerhouse. Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary collection—on display April 18–27, 2025, only at the New York International Auto Show.