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1970 Subaru 360

Japanese automobile manufacturers were working on developing small cars according to a plan calling for the production of a "people's car" as advocated by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
The Subaru 360 was developed in line with this concept.
In those days, passenger cars were too expensive to be within the reach of most people.

Subaru 360's were the first line of vehicles produced by Fuji Heavy Industries, (parent company of Subaru). They were first introduced in Japan in 1958.

The Subaru 360s were "offically" imported to the U.S. in 1968 by Malcolm Bricklin.
Most of them remained unsold even three years later. They were retailing for about $1,300, and one dealer was offering 6 of them for $2,000, brand new!

They came in four different body types. Two sedans - the standard which was white, and the Young, sport model, which was yellow, vans and the rarest - the pickups.

Those that did buy them found parts and service hard to find, since Subaru did not import them they were not obligated to honor them.

Manufacturer: Fuji Heavy Industries, Tokyo Japan

Model: Sedan

Motor: EK31 2-stroke Body: Monocoque
Years Built: 1958-1970 No. Cylinders: 2 Chassis: none
No. Produced: US: 6000 Displacement: 356 cc Suspension Front: Trailing Arm
No. Surviving: n/a Horsepower: 25 Suspension Rear: Swing Axle
Length: 118" Gearbox: 4 fwd + rev Steering: Rack & Pinion
Width: 51" Starter: Electric Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 925 lbs Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels: 4.80 x 10"
Interior: 2 + 2 Seats Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 60 mph

© 2002