Tim Schofield
Head of UK Business Development, Motoring
LOT 218 *N
c.1961 Subaru 360 Deluxe Microcar Registration no. Not UK registered Chassis no. K111-258603 Engine no. EK32-600859
Sold for £6,900 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 218*,N
The Connoisseurs' Collection Part IV
c.1961 Subaru 360 Deluxe Microcar
c.1961 Subaru 360 Deluxe Microcar
Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|19 September 2026, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood
c.1961 Subaru 360 Deluxe Microcar
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. K111-258603
Engine no. EK32-600859
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. K111-258603
Engine no. EK32-600859
Manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation), the Subaru 360 was built to conform with the Japanese government's Kei car regulations, which placed limits on a vehicle's physical size, engine capacity and performance. Intended for use within Japan's crowded city centres, the affordable Kei cars enjoyed lower tax and insurance rates and were popular with elderly and novice motorists alike.
Introduced in 1958, the Subaru 360 was powered by a rear-mounted twin-cylinder two-stroke engine displacing 356cc, close to the 360cc maximum allowed by the then current regulations. Its maximum power output was gradually increased over time: from 16PS in 1958 to 25PS in 1968, while the twin-carburettor Young SS version had all of 36PS on tap. A three-speed gearbox was standard at first, a four-speeder becoming available later. The body/chassis was of unitary construction and featured rear-hinged 'suicide' doors; to say that its appearance was unusual would be something of an understatement. Saloon, convertible, station wagon and commercial variants were built. Production for the home market continued until 1971.
The Subaru 360 offered here is an example of the Deluxe version, introduced in 1961, which from 1962/1963 would feature various enhancements to the interior, exterior and fitted equipment. The car comes with various magazine articles and 'as found' photographs.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.
Introduced in 1958, the Subaru 360 was powered by a rear-mounted twin-cylinder two-stroke engine displacing 356cc, close to the 360cc maximum allowed by the then current regulations. Its maximum power output was gradually increased over time: from 16PS in 1958 to 25PS in 1968, while the twin-carburettor Young SS version had all of 36PS on tap. A three-speed gearbox was standard at first, a four-speeder becoming available later. The body/chassis was of unitary construction and featured rear-hinged 'suicide' doors; to say that its appearance was unusual would be something of an understatement. Saloon, convertible, station wagon and commercial variants were built. Production for the home market continued until 1971.
The Subaru 360 offered here is an example of the Deluxe version, introduced in 1961, which from 1962/1963 would feature various enhancements to the interior, exterior and fitted equipment. The car comes with various magazine articles and 'as found' photographs.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.
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- 18 September 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 19 September 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
