The Subaru Brat came off the drawing board as a quirky vehicle – unlike anything on the market at the time – but it acquired one of its more idiosyncratic features courtesy of a 1963 light truck tariff known as the “chicken tax”. To avoid the tariff, Subaru installed two rear-facing plastic seats in the bed, qualifying it as a passenger car, not a truck. It struck a chord with the American market, selling about 100,000 units here between 1978 and 1987. Here on facebook Marketplace is a first-generation Brat, priced at $8500. It’s located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Zappenduster found it for us – thanks!
Subaru built its Brat by altering the Leone 4WD wagon, making a coupe utility from its body. In addition to 4WD, early Brats inherited the Leone’s water-cooled, flat-four engine, the 1.6-liter EA71. The engine is good for about 68 hp (US delivery) – not a barn burner, but the Brat only weighs 2200 lbs, and it sips gas at the rate of 33 mpg out on the highway. This example is equipped with a four-speed manual, providing slightly better performance than the optional automatic. The single-range 4WD can be selected on the fly; one year later, a dual-range unit became available on GLs – the top-tier trim level.
Aftermarket seat covers and mats don’t help us evaluate the upholstery or carpets, but the dash is in decent condition, as are the door panels. The iconic bed-mounted seats are still present; those grab handles stood in as safety equipment. This photo also exposes the bent rear bumper. After model year 1985, Subaru no longer sold the Brat with rear seats. Much later, the Brat’s analogous successor arrived, in the form of the Baja. Meanwhile, Brats have become classics, prompting a surge of aftermarket accessories. Customization is common, to the point that no Brat looks like any other any longer.
The hood is sprung, and the passenger’s side headlamp is askew. I’d like to see underside photos, but none are provided. The seller is silent regarding his Brat’s running condition, and given this example’s other issues, it’s tempting to put this one in the “project” category. On the market, Brats are enjoying a slight upward drift in prices, with GLs and later vehicles selling for slightly more than DLs and early versions. Projects are valued at four figures, while low-mileage Brats occasionally top $30k. What do you think it will take to move this Brat to a new garage?
Compact is right, like most were “compacted” into a cube. They began rusting on the trip over the ocean. A great concept, hippies movin’ to the hills needed something economical to get around with, the Subie checked all the boxes. It was a brilliant marketing strategy, this AWD thing, and became known for that. The BRAT, not so much, like any car/pickup, they have a limited following. Biggest concern is covered space, and a cap greatly improved that, if you could find one, that is. Ironically, the only place you’ll find one is in warmer climates and AWD just wasn’t a big deal for them. Great find.
Would love to own one of these!! The yellow was a much more livable color the the green…
My wifes Dad had one of these back around that time. He never had a problem getting through any snow, that’s for sure. My wife, as a little girl got to ride in the back I think once on some very back roads. I remember people riding in those seats. Definitely wouldn’t fly today!!!