1970 Subaru 360 Deluxe Sedan

356cc 2-Stroke 2-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
36bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Gearbox with Overdrive
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Swing Axle Front and Rear Suspension

*Very Original Example of the Subaru 360 Deluxe
*Highly Desirable Late Model
*Dressed in Original Paint with Interior, Never Restored, Under 15,000 Miles
*Over $10,000 Service and Overhaul in 2021, by Marque Specialist

THE SUBARU 360

With its smiley expression, rear-hinged doors and surprisingly roomy interior, the Subaru 360 has developed a huge and dedicated following. It was built by the Japanese auto-manufacturer from 1958 through 1971, a 12-year production run which speaks to its continued popularity. Ultra-light, at 1000 lbs., with a monocoque construction and fiberglass roof panel, the 360 was launched as a 'national car' to make transport affordable and accessible to the working class of Japan. With a 356 cc, two-stroke inline two-cylinder engine, the 'Ladybug', as it was called, could top 60 mph and its popularity superseded the government's and the manufacturer's expectations, as the Subaru 360 became the darling of the nation of Japan – and a highly sought-after celebrity in the microcar market.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Bonhams at Quail Lodge is extremely proud to present this gorgeous Subaru 360 Deluxe to open its proceedings today. This example of the Subaru 360 is a late production Deluxe model and benefits from over a decade of improvements and upgrades. Only the Deluxe featured the special brightwork and chromed wheels, in place of the common model's painted wheels. The Deluxe was the only model exported to the USA market.

Little of its former provenance is documented, but we know this Deluxe was acquired by the current owner in November 2020 and has since been fully refurbished at a cost of over $10,000. Only very minor body and paint work was required, and the car remains largely in its original white paint with red vinyl interior. Marque expert, Mark Hatten of MPH Specialties in Portland, Oregon, was commissioned to complete a comprehensive mechanical inspection and overhaul. The brakes, including the park brake were fully serviced and the fuel system was completely replaced, returning the car to its stock vacuum-operated shut-off mechanism. The single carburetor was rebuilt, and the front wheel bearings were serviced, while all five wheels were refinished to their original chrome, with four new radial tires and one new bias-ply spare. Brand new sun visors, dash pad, distributor cap and rotor were installed, and hours of additional work was completed to return this 360 Deluxe Subaru to its factory specification.

Today, this adorable 360 Deluxe shows under 15,000 miles on the odometer, believed to be original. It has never been fully restored and shows a gentle patina of careful use and dedicated stewardship. It is highly original and comes with the factory tool roll. Although not shown previously, this car is an ideal candidate for specialist events, such as The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove. These little cars with their impish grin are highly sought-after models and marque aficionados will love this example of the rare and delightfully authentic Subaru 360 Deluxe, which should not be overlooked.