The Story Behind the Iconic Subaru WRX Grill Badge

The Iconic WRX Grill Badge and its Cult Following

The Subaru WRX, especially from the early 90s, has become an automotive icon thanks to its rally heritage and devoted fanbase. One of the most iconic parts of the WRX is its unique front grill badge that has come to represent performance, individuality, and belonging to an exclusive community.

The Origins of the WRX Grill Badge

The WRX badge first appeared in 1992 on the Japanese version of the Subaru Impreza WRX, which stood for "World Rally eXperimental." This special edition Impreza was modified by Subaru's motorsports division STI (Subaru Tecnica International) to compete in the World Rally Championship. The striking blue and red grill badge represented this high-performance pedigree.

When the WRX was later released for mass production and export in 1994, the badge came with it. Over successive generations, spanning the GC, GD, and GE chassis codes through the early 2000s, the badge evolved in design but retained its distinctive colors and placement on the grill.

What the WRX Grill Badge Represents

The WRX grill badge has come to embody several key meanings and values for Subaru enthusiasts:

• Performance - The WRX represents Subaru's rally-bred racing technology packaged into a street-legal car. The grill badge is a direct symbol of its track heritage.
• Exclusivity - Not all Subarus are WRXs. The badge indicates membership in the exclusive WRX/STI club.
• Customization - The badge is strongly associated with modifying and customizing the WRX to make it your own.
• Community - WRX owners share a passion and bond over their love of the car. The badge serves as an identifier within the community.

Essentially, when you see the WRX grill badge, it communicates performance credentials, custom culture, and community identity.

The Iconic Grill Badge in WRX Culture

The WRX badge has taken on iconic status among enthusiasts who recognize it as a symbol with deep meaning. Here are some of the ways it has become ingrained in WRX culture:

• Displayed Proudly - Owners often emphasize the badge by installing it prominently or adding multiple badges. It's a mark of pride.
• Used in Logos - WRX clubs, forums, events, and businesses related to the WRX community frequently incorporate the badge into logos and graphics.
• Collectible Memorabilia - The badge and WRX grill components like mesh and surrounds have become popular collectors' items for diehard fans.
• Emblematic Tattoos - It's not uncommon for devoted owners to get the WRX grill badge or other WRX-themed tattoos.
• Custom Badge Culture - Aftermarket badge-makers have capitalized on owners wanting to customize the badge with different designs and colors.

The badge is so recognizable and symbolic among fans that it's become a pop culture icon in automotive and tuning circles around the world.

Rare and Valuable Vintage Badges

As the appeal of 90s-era WRXs has grown enormously in recent years, especially rally legends like the 22B STI, original badges from vintage models have become coveted collectors' items.

Genuine OEM badges from early Subaru rally cars like the 555-sponsored models can fetch huge prices from collectors. But even stock badges from ordinary WRXs and STIs of the 90s and early 2000s are seeing a surge in demand and value.

Pristine condition original badges, limited edition/special color badges, JDM variants, and displays with the badge still on an original grill fetch the highest prices. Badges for classic models like the WRX Type RA and S201 regularly sell for $500-1000+. One-off vintage badges in great condition could bring well over $1000.

As WRXs disappear into collections or the scrapyard, the remaining badges become more scarce, driving up resale prices from collectors and restorers trying to source replacements.

Why the Badge Has Become So Iconic

There are several key factors that have contributed to the WRX grill badge achieving its legendary status:

• Timeless, recognizable design - The contrasting colors and clean silhouette are instantly identifiable.
• Association with motorsports - The World Rally Championship pedigree gives the badge performance credibility.
• Generation-spanning appeal - The badge has been integral from the first WRX through today, giving it broad appeal.
• WRX's cult following - As the car gathered a devoted fanbase, the badge became a symbol of membership and identity.
• Evolving and customizing - Owners creatively modifying and displaying the badge has amplified its iconic factor.

The WRX grill badge has been there from the beginning and remains one of the most iconic symbols among Japanese performance cars. For fans, it will likely continue to represent the WRX essence for generations to come.

Keeping the WRX Grill Badge Looking Great

As an iconic part of your WRX's identity, it's important to keep the grill badge looking its best. Here are some tips:

Clean the Badge Properly

Use a dedicated badge cleaner or a mild soap and water to gently clean the badge surface. Soft brush or microfiber cloths work best to remove dirt and grime without damaging the finish.

Protect Against UV Damage

Fading and discoloration from sun exposure is common on old badges. Give your badge UV protection by using a high-quality badge sealant specifically made for automotive emblems.

Repair Damage Carefully

Use fine grit sandpaper to gently smooth out any chips or pits on the badge surface, then buff and re-clearcoat the area for an invisible finish.

consider Polishing for Extra Shine

You can bring an aged or dull badge back to a mirror shine by using a fine polishing compound followed by a polishing sealant to restore the luster.

Replace Badly Damaged Badges

If wear and damage is beyond repair, you may need to source a replacement badge. Look for an OEM or high-quality aftermarket badge made from durable ABS plastic or metal.

Upgrade to a Custom Badge

swapping in an aftermarket badge with original colors, unique color schemes, or a customized design allows you to make your WRX grill truly one-of-a-kind.

The iconic WRX grill badge represents the soul of these legendary cars. With care and pride, it will continue looking great on your Subaru for years to come.

FAQs

What does the WRX grill badge represent?

The WRX grill badge represents the performance heritage, rally racing pedigree, and exclusive community around WRX/STI models. It's a symbol of speed, customization, and belonging to the Subaru enthusiast community.

How did the WRX badge originate?

The WRX grill badge first appeared in 1992 on the Japan-only Impreza WRX, which was modified by STI for World Rally Championship racing. When the WRX went into mass production in 1994 it retained the unique blue and red badge.

Why are vintage WRX badges so valuable?

As 1990s and 2000s WRXs become harder to find, original OEM badges from those eras are very scarce. Collectors and restorers are willing to pay high prices for rare vintage badges, especially limited editions.

What's the best way to clean the WRX badge?

Use a mild soap and water solution or a specialty badge cleaner, along with soft brush or microfiber towels, to gently clean and preserve the badge's finish. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Where can I buy custom or replacement WRX badges?

Many online retailers like Subimods offer OEM-quality and custom badges in a variety of colors, materials and designs so you can upgrade or replace worn out badges.