Subaru 360 - Definition

The Subaru 360 was the first automobile mass produced by Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan. Production ran from 1958 to 1969.

The Subaru 360 featured an air-cooled, 2-stroke cycle engine of 356 cc capacity mounted transversely at the rear. The engine was designed with a capacity of less than 360 cc so that the Subaru 360 would qualify for Japan's Keicar class. The body was of monocoque construction and featured a fiberglass roof panel, which was considered very advanced in 1958.

When introduced in 1958, the Subaru 360's 356 cc engine turned out 16 hp and Subaru claimed 71 mpg fuel economy—by the end of production power had increased to 25 hp with a 36 hp twin carb engine was an option.

Several variants were produced, including a station wagon (called the Custom), a convertible, and two sports models known as the Young S, and the Young SS. A truck and van called Sambar were also produced using the 360's engine.

The Subaru 360 was replaced by the less popular but more advanced R-2 which was quickly superceded by the long-lived Subaru Rex model.

	Subaru
Current: Baja Forester Impreza Legacy Outback Pleo R1 R2 Sambar Traviq TransCare
Historic: 360 1400 1600 1800 Alcyone Alcyone SVX BRAT FF-1 G FF-1 Star Justy Leone Loyale R-2 Rex
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