Subaru 360 (K111/K142/K212). 1958–70 (prod. 392,000 approx.). 2-door sedan, 2-door cabriolet, 3-door wagon. R/R, 356 cm³ (I2 2-str.). Kei car developed by Fuji Heavy Industries, bringing in some aircraft ideas, and maximizing interior space within the tiny dimensions. Considered by some to be Japan’s first national car, in that it was designed for the masses rather than the few. Rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, and monocoque body. Ten-inch tyres developed specially for model. Doors opened rearward initially, before being switched to conventional items. Spartan interior, to meet low-weight goals. Independent suspension, with torsion bar on the front and swing axle at rear. Rack and pinion steering, differentiating 360 from the competition. Cabriolet, with folding canvas top, from 1959. Van, badged 360 Custom, and later Custom, from 1963. Sales slowed once Honda N360 was launched; Subaru’s response was to increase power, and introduced a 36 PS Young SS model, followed by a 32 PS Young S.

Manufacturing location: Ōta, Gunma, Japan

Marque: Subaru | Successor: Subaru R-2

q.v. Subaru 450