1970 Subaru 360 Deluxe Sedan

• Kei class car produced from 1958-1971 by Subaru.

• Distinctive round shape with a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

• Quirky charm and unconventional styling made it a cultural icon.

The 1970 Subaru 360 Deluxe Sedan holds a significant place in the context of Japanese car design. While small compared to its contemporary counterparts, it had a big impact on the Japanese automotive industry. Its quirky charm and unconventional styling made it a cultural icon, appearing in films, television shows, and even works of art. In doing so, it helped to cement Japan's reputation as a hub of innovation and creativity in the automotive world.

In the post-World War II period, Japan was rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. With limited resources and a burgeoning population, fuel efficiency and affordability were paramount considerations for the average consumer. The Subaru 360 addressed these concerns, embodying the principles of compactness, efficiency, and accessibility.

It wasn't just the practical aspects of the Subaru 360 that captured the imagination of Japanese car designers. Its unconventional design challenged traditional notions of automotive aesthetics, paving the way for a new era of innovation and creativity in Japanese car design. The 360's distinctive round shape and minimalist styling stood in stark contrast to the boxy, utilitarian designs of its contemporaries, signaling a departure from convention and a willingness to experiment with new forms and concepts. The Subaru 360's success in the domestic market paved the way for Japanese automakers to expand their presence on the global stage.

Despite its diminutive size, the Subaru 360 Deluxe Sedan offered a range of features for its time, including a heater, windshield wipers, and basic instrumentation.

Specifications

Engine: 356cc rear-mounted, air-cooled, two-stroke, two-cylinder engine producing 25 horsepower.

Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox

Performance: 65 mph top speed, 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 37-40 seconds.

Fuel efficiency: 66 mpg

Weight: 1,000 lbs