The early cars from Subaru
11/05/2012
The "Fuji Industries Subaru Division" has been building cars since 1954. The 360 model was produced from 1958 until 1970 - an incredibly long production time for this small 2-cylinder, 2-stroke car with a transverse rear-mounted engine of 356 cc. The engine was deliberately designed with a displacement of less than 360 cc in order to be classified in Japan's "Keicar Class"(tax-privileged small car). The vehicle initially had an output of 16 hp, rising to 36 hp at the end.
The 23 hp version with 423 cc reached a top speed of 90 km/h and accelerated to 80 km/h in 36 seconds.
The 444 kg car had a self-supporting body with a roof made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. A three-speed gearbox transmitted the 16 hp to the rear wheels and the small car was decelerated by four drum brakes.
From the mid-1960s, a four-speed gearbox with overdrive was also available. There were various body versions of the 360, namely the estate and the small van available from 1961 as a work vehicle, as well as a convertible and two sports versions.
Production ended in 1970 after 392,016 vehicles of the 360 and 450 models.
Subaru made a name for itself in Europe with the introduction of 4-wheel drive vehicles. In Switzerland, they were soon nicknamed the "Farmer's Ferrari", as the robust 4x4s became the car of choice for farmers and foresters thanks to their off-road capability. Of course, the masses are also familiar with Subaru vehicles because of their numerous rally successes.
The yellow Subaru 360 shown here is currently based in Abu Dhabi.
