A 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 Van is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer, offering a unique glimpse into Subaru’s early days in the U.S. market. The company, known today for its Outbacks and Foresters, initially gained traction in the U.S. with the two-door 360 microcar and the related Sambar van.
The Sambar features a rear-mounted 356cc, two-stroke, two-cylinder engine that produces 25 horsepower. This small engine allowed the vehicle to save on road tax and insurance in its native Japanese market.
A Rare Left-Hand-Drive Model
Most Japanese kei cars are right-hand-drive imports, but this Sambar is a rare exception, being a left-hand-drive model. Subaru first entered the U.S. market in 1968, thanks to entrepreneur Malcom Bricklin, who imported the 360 sedan for its fuel efficiency and ability to bypass import regulations.
Some of these early Subaru models, including the Sambar van, were also brought to the U.S. The 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 up for sale is painted in a striking metallic lime color and features a bare-bones interior with green cloth accents on the vinyl seats.
Specifications and Condition
The vehicle’s rear-mounted two-cylinder engine displaces 356cc and was rated at 25 horsepower, with power delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The true mileage is unknown, although the odometer shows around 32,000 miles.
Despite being under ten feet long, the Sambar has a surprising amount of cargo space in the back, making it potentially useful for manual drift or light cargo transport. The auction for this unique vehicle ends on August 13.
In the context of other small vehicles from the era, the Subaru Sambar 360 stands out for its unusual design and historical significance as one of the first Subaru models sold in the U.S. Its compact size and fuel-efficient engine made it an attractive option for urban driving, a trend that continues to influence the design of small vehicles today.
This head-turning Subaru would make for a fun and novel collectible, offering a glimpse into the company’s early days in the U.S. market.
With its eye-catching color and unique design, the 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 is sure to attract attention from collectors and enthusiasts of vintage vehicles. They will appreciate the vehicle’s condition and specifications, making it an interesting find for those looking to own a piece of automotive history.
As the auction comes to a close, it will be interesting to see who will take this rare vehicle home.
