Subaru 360

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 356cc capacity mounted transversely at the rear. The engine was designed with a capacity of less than 360cc, 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 356cc engine turned out 16hp, and Subaru claimed 71mpg economy - by the end of production power had increased to 25hp - a 36hp twin carb engine was an option.

Several variants were produced, including a station wagon (called "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 Subaru 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The Subaru 360 was replaced by the less popular, but more advanced R-2, which was quickly superceded by the long lived Subaru Rex model.