Description
Tiny Car Company are excited to offer for sale this 1968 Subaru 360 Overtop Kei car.
The 360 was the very first car built by Subaru and was made from 1958 till 1971 by which time nearly 400, 000 had been built. The car was the first mass produced vehicle built to conform to a new class of vehicle in Japan called the Keijidosha or Kei Class, limiting size and engine capacity to just 360cc and allowing tax and insurance benefits. Motorising the post war population in Japan, the Subaru 360 quickly became one of the most popular cars in Japan and to this day is considered to be a proper icon: Japan's Mini or Fiat 500!
This particular Subaru 360 came to the UK in 2016 from Japan and is one of only a few cars known to be in the UK (we know of 2 others). Since its arrival in the UK, prior to us acquiring the car, it had resided in a private collection. The car has the original Subaru Suited key, brochure and advertising poster. The mileage was warranted by BIMTA in japan at only 55, 956KM and now reads only 55, 988M (35, 000 miles).
Overall this car is in very lovely condition, having been left untouched since its arrival from japan, it even retains import stickers and Japanese writing on the windows. The car has been UK registered and is wearing small Japanese style numberplates.
The bodywork is very solid with the only rust a bit of surface corrosion on the single skin section at the bottom of the door. The Fiberglass roof is free from splits and the Perspex rear window is in good condition. The car sits on an original set of Bridgestone skyway tyres which would need to be replaced if the plan was to use the car on the road.
The paintwork is in the classic off white that Subaru 360s are most known for and retains a very nice shine. However, over the years has developed some cracks, we believe from where it has sat in the sun in a window.
The brightwork is in very good condition all round with only light tarnishing and the rubbers and plastics on the car are all in great shape.
Inside, the car has grey corduroy bench seats in very nice condition and the dash and steering wheel are free from cracks or issues.
Since the little Subaru has been with us, we have addressed some carburettor and brake issues and the car is now a good running example that could either be left in its lovely original state or could be restored. The electrics have been checked over and now everything on the car is working exactly as it should.
the Subaru 360 was recently tipped by Hagerty as being one of the fastest appreciating classic cars so this is certainly an investment opportunity!
We also currently have in stock a successor to the 360. the Subaru R-2 in SS or sporty deluxe guise.
Tiny Car Company offer Part Exchange, Finance and the usual dealer facilities.
We are open by appointment at the moment so get in touch with us to organise viewing!
