Micros from Japan

One of the still affordable microcars, the Subaru 360 is the cute little car that almost wasn’t. Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., Subaru’s parent, evolved from the Nakajima Aircraft Company that was dismantled at the end of World War II. While founded in 1953, car building only began in 1958 with the Subaru 360 microcar.
The Subaru 360 was one of the earliest and most successful of the 360cc class of Japanese microcars, in Japan. The 360 used a tiny air-cooled, two cylinder, 356cc, two stoke engine placed transversely in the rear. It produced just 16hp which was increased to a whopping 20hp in 1964. A three-speed transmission was fitted initially, but a four speed became available in 1964. Mechanical brakes were used through the mid-1960’s, then replaced by hydraulic ones, and tires were tiny 4.80x10s. Overall length was 118in with a 70.9in wheelbase. The fully independent suspension system used trailing arms, torsion bars, and coil springs in front and split semi-axles and torsion bars in the rear.
A beautiful car to own and drive, this Subaru micro is a delightful addition to any enthusiast's collection. Also delightful to wear, drink from, or send. All kinds of Subaru 360 apparel, mugs, cards, stickers and much more is now available. If you don’t see something you’d like, just let me know!