by Modern cars sometimes lack playfulness. Of course, there are still plenty of interesting models on the market, but strict emissions regulations, safety requirements, and increasing uniformity make cars with character a rarity. Fortunately, the used car market is full of models that make your heart beat faster, and this one is exactly such a car.
What is this vehicle?
Before you is a tiny 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 van, recently listed at auction in the United States. The Sambar 360 was built mainly for the domestic Japanese market, but a limited batch of left-hand-drive cars left the factory for export. This particular example made its way to America back in the day.
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Vibrant exterior
Painted in a bright green color, this old Subaru is sure to draw more attention than any modern van. It is complemented by small 10-inch steel wheels assembled from several parts, with black centers and green rims, shod in Falken Sincera SN-807 tires sized 145/80. Little is known about the car’s owners, but it has been in the United States since at least 1973.
Tiny but practical
The Sambar 360 is only 117.7 inches (2,990 mm) long and 51.2 inches (1,300 mm) wide. The modern Fiat 500e sold in the United States is considerably longer—142.9 inches (3,631 mm)—and wider—66.2 inches (1,683 mm). Despite such modest dimensions, the Subaru has two rows of seats and a fairly useful cargo area, unlike the Fiat.
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Technical specs and bidding
Although the Sambar looks fun and unusual, it cannot boast power. It is powered by a tiny 356 cc engine that develops only 25 hp and drives the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle. The odometer shows 32,000 miles (51,500 km), but how accurate that reading is remains unknown.
Demand for the van appears to be high: bids at the Bring a Trailer auction have already reached a five-figure mark. If you want to own a car unlike any modern alternative, now might be your chance. The listing is published on Bring a Trailer.
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Vehicles like this Sambar remind us that a true car does not have to be big or powerful. It can bring a smile simply by its looks, and driving it gives completely different emotions than any modern crossover or electric car. For fans of Japanese classics, this is a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of automotive history.
