This is a strange opening photo but it shows the unusual factor of this micro-pickup much more so than the other photo that the seller has provided in the Craigslist ad shown here. This is a tiny (9′-10″), rare 1970 Subaru Sambar pickup and the asking price is $7,600. It’s located in Riverside, California and I guess the buyer could theoretically drive it home, but if you are in another state, plan your route carefully. Thanks to Roger for sending in this cool little pickup!
It’s disappointing that the seller hasn’t provided more photos but from the two that they did show it looks pretty good. This wouldn’t have been the original color, of course, but I like it. With such a small vehicle you want to be seen on the road while 90% of the other drivers are texting, eating, and/or putting on makeup. The engine is in the rear as you can see, like in a Subaru 360 sedan, and the dropside ramp isn’t shown which is a cool feature.
Soooooo, here’s the only other photo that the seller put in the ad. While that’s very disappointing, it sounds like this pickup isn’t disappointing, at least from the seller’s ad copy: “subaru 360 micro Truck. New windshield. Runs Great. 4 speed Clean title. $7600”. That’s it. This second-generation pickup would have been made between 1966 and 1973 and they were only available in the US following Malcolm Bricklin’s import genius which brought the Subaru 360 sedan to the US in 1968 and the Sambar van and pickup followed. The engine would have been Subaru’s 356 CC two-stroke, air-cooled, inline-twin with around 20-25 hp. With a 1,200-pound total weight, this pickup doesn’t need a Hemi/SBC/Hayabusa. And, as always, they were never meant for highway use. I can’t fit into one, unfortunately, and I’ve wanted one for years. Have any of you ever driven a Subaru Sambar pickup or van?
Many states have restrictions on these mini-trucks,( Minnesota is one) I believe they don’t meet the safety standards in the US, and are sold as off road vehicles only. These can go 50 mph, but many are governed for 25-30, and are not allowed on highways or interstates, for obvious reasons. It’s neat, but a newer ATV probably does a better job.
My take is that any car that was road-legal at the time of manufacture is road legal today. Since this was road legal in ’70, it is now. Just like a 1913 Model T is road legal now.
I drive one in California almost every weekend. Fully registered and no highway restrictions. Although with a top speed of about 50ish I restricted myself from the highways unless its on a trailer.
Many years ago I owned a Subaru 360 van. As I recall the top speed was about 40-45 mph. OK for around town, not something you’d want to take out on the highway.
“Hello- Rock Auto? I’m looking for a new windshield for a Subaru Sambar…..Hello?”
A Chevy Rampside in the larva stage.
It gives the term ‘suicide doors’ a whole new meaning!
The Sambar was produced (and perhaps still is) for long in Japan…
It might be fun to place some LED ultraviolet “black lights” around the trim so the body glows at night.
I wonder if a new suburu engine would bolt up with a new trans under this neat lil car. It could be like seeing a Vega or pinto v8 swap.
With extensive chassis modifications is the only way. And no that trans cannot support the newer engines.
Late model Subaru Sambar vans and trucks meeting US and Canadian age related import regulations have been and are being imported to North America.
Here’s the Sambar sold list from Canadian dealer Right Drive:
https://www.rightdrive.ca/model/subaru/sambar/
Late 20th century, early 21st century Sambar vans are posh Kei cars with nice interiors and even 4 wheel or all wheel drive. Click on one of the Sambar vans on the link and check out photos. The ’70 Subie Sambar is really an ancient relative.
Sweet looking Subaru truck. I saw one a few years ago. The one I saw was purple. I’ve heard of the Subaru Sambar, but that was the first time I’d seen one in person.
I had one issued to me when I was stationed in Japan for tasks around the base. It was a ball to drive, brand new with a four cycle gas engine, RH drive with a manual trans shifted with your left hand. So much easier to become comfortable with than many would have you believe. I’m 6’2″ and fit OK but was a little cramped. It was silver, one night some genius painted “Enola Gay” on the side. I wound up catching hell and had to answer for this moron’s actions. The art work was removed post-haste. What a great little truck. I wish they were legal here.