Vehicle Description
1970 Subaru 360 Coupe
Designer: Shinroku Momose
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Chassis Number : K111L11028
Engine Number: EK32-721997
Decoded: EK32=358cc/25 HP 2-cyl. Engine; 721997=Unit number
Engine: 358 cc air-cooled 2-cyl.
1-barrel Carburetor/25 bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 23,000 showing
Launch Pad for Subaru Nameplate
Micro-car Efficiency
Advertised as “Cheap and Ugly”
The Model –Tracing the legacy of Subaru takes us back to 1915 and the founding of Aircraft Research Laboratory by Chikhuei Nakajima. Eventually reorganized as Nakajima Aircraft Company after WWII, a number of diversifications, mergers and business dealing, created Fuji Heavy Industries. Wanting to get into the growing vehicle trade Fuji produced a small scooter followed by an very economic car. Eventually named Subaru, the logo with six stars represented the star group Pelides. With production starting in 1958, it was a very successful little car, when marketing promoter Malcolm Bricklin got into the act, bringing the little coupe to America in 1970. The 360 had served it purpose for Subaru which had been developing bigger, more contemporary vehicles with the last of these little cars coming off the line in 1971. Over 390,000 were produced in its 12 year run, and they are sought after by collectors in both the USA and Japan.
The Car – If one ever wanted to get into the world of micro-cars on a budget, this is your car. It is in what has been described as “highly original”. Mechanically, it appears to be a rather sound investment, featuring the second, more powerful version of the “EK” power plant. This car is lightweight, but isn’t “dainty”, able to go from 0-60 in under 40 seconds when in prime tune. Body panels and paint, while not perfect, appear to be original to the car and the interior it still serviceable . Perfect for use on a large estate or ranch, or as a crew car at a vintage racing event, this is the type of car you just cannot pass up.
