Subaru 360
The Subaru 360 was produced from 1958 to 1971 two-door compact car from the Japanese automaker Subaru and also the first large-scale model of the brand.
Optical pointed the 360 basic similarities with the VW Beetle and Fiat Nuova 500, but technically rather with the Goggomobil ( 2-stroke ) and had a similar role in the motorization of the Japanese population. So it is no surprise that his Japanese nickname is denominated in German cockchafer. Its air-cooled two -cylinder two- stroke engine was sitting in the rear and powered the rear wheels; However, the Subaru of the numbers here was much less successful than the Beetle. The displacement of moving with 356 cc just below the applicable until the end of 1975 upper limit of 360 cm ³ for the tax-favored in Japan microcar ( Kei -Cars ).
Additional technical features included self-supporting body with a roof made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (wheelbase: 1800 mm), drum brakes all round and 3- speed transmission. From the mid- 60s and a four-speed gearbox with laid-out as an overdrive fourth gear could be ordered. Note the rear-hinged doors. Moreover, the first model had only one wiper on the driver side.
Initially made the engine of the 360 16 hp. Later the offer with the 23 hp 423 cc big engine was enlarged ( the 450, internally K212 ). With the latter, the motor car reached a top speed of about 90 km / h and accelerated in about 36 seconds to 80 The said factory standard consumption of 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers could not be achieved in practice; in the test, a value of 8.4 liters was determined.
Besides the two-door sedan, there was a station wagon (360 Custom), a convertible and two different sports versions. The 360 Young S had a slightly more potent engine, tachometer and a black roof with white trim. The 360 Young SS came up with a 36 hp twin carburetor engine. 1961 also from a 360 -derived vans was derived, the Subaru Sambar.
The Subaru 360 was from 1968 to 1970 and briefly offered in the U.S., but without much success. In May 1970 production ended, there were manufactured from 360 and 450 392 016 models.
Subaru 360, rear view