1969 Subaru 360 Deluxe |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1969 Subaru 360 Deluxe

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Mileage~24,130 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine360cc
LocationHerne Bay, Kent

AUCTION CLOSED

1969 Subaru 360 Deluxe

Introduction

Alan Stuart

A fully restored example of, not only, Subaru’s first mass-produced car but also Japan’s first mass- produced Kei Car.

Emerging from the post war chaos in Japan, Subaru was an offshoot of the Fuji Sangyo engineering company. The company had been a major aircraft manufacturer during World War II so was understandably keen to head in a different direction. Subaru was so named after the Japanese name for the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, star cluster, a reference to which can still be seen in their iconic emblem.

Despite an earlier foray into powered scooter production and an ill-fated production run of just twenty Subaru 1500 cars, volume production was finally realised with the quirky 360 model in 1958. The car was Subaru’s answer to the Japanese Government’s Kei Car, or light automobile, initiative. This initiative was designed to give the Japanese population affordable transportation after the devastation of the war. The Subaru 360 conformed to the strict requirements of diminutive proportions and a maximum 360cc engine displacement – hence the name.

This example was originally exported to the USA by lead importer Malcom Bricklin, who marketed them with the memorable strapline “cheap and ugly.” This car lived most of its life in arid Arizona before being imported to the UK in 2018. Steven, the current owner, has been the only UK registered keeper of this historic “ladybug.”

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Steven the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve been proud to be the only UK keeper of this beautifully restored car - a lovely genuine car which played a big part in automotive history!

Steven has enjoyed the rarity and head turning appeal of this Japanese city car icon. The beautifully restored condition, attractive red and white colourway, and good mechanical condition has given much pleasure during his ownership.

Steven is now ready to pass this rare little car on to its second UK keeper confident that it will continue to surprise and delight all who see her.

Steven

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

This Subaru 360 has clearly benefitted from spending much of its life in the dry heat of Arizona - combine that with a thorough professional restoration and you have a stunningly original example.

Wheels and Tyres

The period correct 10 inch wheels and 4.80 – 10 tyres all appear in fine condition. The deep red painted steel wheels against the clean whitewall tyres and bright chrome hubcaps look entirely in keeping with the rest of the car, and help emphasise the diminutive Kei-car character of the Subaru 360.

Bodywork

Steven reports that the body panels are all original to the car and that no welding was required during the restoration process.

The unusual externally hinged “suicide” doors and all other panels appear undented and enjoy consistent and “period appropriate” panel gaps. The fiberglass roof panel, another unusual original feature of the 360, shows no signs of cracks or crazing.

The sills and seams all present in great condition with the original factory spot-welding “dimples” being evident on some panel edges.

Paint

The car has benefitted from a full professional respray outside, inside and in all accessible body cavities in the original and very smart white and red livery. The thickness of the paint appears good on all panels and gives a deep and lustrous shine.

The bumpers and other chrome work have been professionally refinished as part of the restoration process and present in gleaming condition. We noticed no signs of corrosion, lacquer peel or orange-peel on and around the painted panels during our visit.

The only small areas of note are some very small paint disturbance on the external door hinges and some very slight surface discolouration on small areas of the sill seams. Both of these could be easily and cheaply rectified if a concours condition was the goal.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears unmarked with no chips, scratches or imperfections noted. The trim surrounding the glazed areas of the car present very well and are free from any discernible faults or flaws. The windows slide open and closed freely and appear distortion free.

Much of the rubber weather sealing between glass and panels have been replaced at the restoration stage. The only exception appears to be the rubber trim piece atop the rear window which is a little faded and starting to perish.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The wide opening suicide doors give easy access to a well presented, light and jolly cabin ambiance.

Seats and Carpets

The seats and door cards have been retrimmed in the period correct large crimson and beige checked fabric over unmarked crimson vinyl. Easy access, considering the proportions of the car, is afforded by the signature rear hinged doors.

Floor coverings are in contrasting black and appear in good general condition with the exception of the driver’s footwell covering which does exhibit some splitting.

Headlining and rear parcel shelf present in good condition and there are plenty of appropriately quirky details to appreciate here, such as the webbing door straps, red seat belts and chain door locks.

Dashboard

The dash is finished in black vinyl over body-coloured painted panels. In both cases the condition appears unmarked with only very slight unevenness around the dash ashtray. The stowage areas of the open-fronted glove box and incidentals shelf also appear to be in good overall condition.

The charmingly simple instrumentation extends to a large speedometer incorporating fuel and temperature gauges. A refreshing antidote to today’s screen-laden examples.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is clad in a period-correct, perorated and stitched cover which was very much de-rigour in the late ‘60s. The gearstick is floor mounted and appears to be topped by its original gear knob embossed in white with the shift pattern.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The tiny two-stroke twin engine in the rear of the 360 is one of the defining characteristics of Kei-car culture and one of the true defining aspects of Subaru 360 ownership.

Engine and Gearbox

Steven reports that extensive engine work was undertaken during the restoration process. This included attention to top and bottom ends of the engine. New pistons, rings, crank bearings and gaskets were all replaced at this time. This work provides added reassurance to the new owner that the 360 is ready to drive away and enjoy.

Drive is provided through a four-speed manual gearbox, which the owner reports as working well and changing smoothly.

We did notice a small oil leak that would need to be looked into, however, as the mechanics are so simple on this car then it's assumed it may be an easy fix.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes were replaced all round during the restoration and the suspension was checked and serviced also. As a very light car the components of the running gear are only subjected to minimal loads which aids the longevity of these parts.

The Drive

Steven reports that the driving experience of the Subaru 360 is a fun and smile inducing experience. All aspects of the drive are reported to be good which is in line with a recently restored car of this nature. Please see the “On the Road” video for further confirmation of this.

Electrics and Other

During our visit the limited amount of electrical systems of the car worked fully as expected.

Steven asserts that everything works as you would expect.

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History and Paperwork

The Subaru 360 comes with an interesting paperwork portfolio giving the new owner a fascination and reassuring insight into the car’s previous life.

As can be seen from the accompanying images the paperwork bundle provides a unique snapshot of the car’s provenance and background. There are a number of UK bills included as well as hard copies of the two MOT’s undertaken in the UK.

There is also an album of photographs detailing and cataloguing the restoration of the bodywork, engine and interior. Add to that a detailed, original workshop manual and the original Arizonan Certificate of Title and you can build up a solid insight of the past history of this Japanese Kei car.

We've done all our usual checks on the seller, V5 and it's HPi clear.