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| The Subaru 360 Sedan. |
| In 1958 Fuji Heavy Industries released the subaru 360 their first production car. Most of the subaru 360's made in 1958 were actually for the '59 model year. Very few 58 model year cars were produced. The original 58 and 59 models had a 16hp engine. By 1962 there were two models of the sedan, the standard and the deluxe. The deluxe version was fitted with higher mounted headlights, although the standard retained the old headlights these were dropped in favor of the new type in 1963. Also in 1961 the 360 sedan was joined by the Sambar and the 450 sedan. In 1964 subaru entered several of it's 360 into competition against Suzuki and Mazda in the 1964 GP. It won for that class. It was also these cars which were the first sedans to be fitted with the subarumatic oil system. This system mixed the oil with the gas automatically and reduced engine wear. Earlier subaru's had to have the oil mixed with the gas in the gas tank, the fuel tank lid doubled as a measuring cup to ensure the proper oil to gas ratio. |
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| This is a 1961 standard subaru 360 sedan, note the old low headlights. |
| 1966 was a big year for Subaru. The sambar line was restyled, a 20hp engine was new and the 450 sedan was dropped in favor of the bigger 1000, Japans first mass produced front wheel drive car. In 1967 Subaru's competitor suzuki launched the 25hp fronte, and a sport model the fronte SS with a 36hp engine. Also Honda had just begun tapping into the 360 car market with their new N360. These new cars were newer roomier and faster than the nine year old 360 sedan which had enjoyed a very successful sales in the mid '60s, nearly 8000 sold every month. Subaru fought back with it's own sport versions of the ubiquitous 360 sedan. The 25hp Young S and the 36hp Young SS. Even so both cars were still slower than the competition. In 1968 Subaru was officially imported to the United States by Malcom Bricklin. But sales were slow. In 1969 the 360 sedans replacement had arrived, the R2 would be produced for only four years though. The production of 360 sedans ended in 1969, but the production of the sedan station wagon would continue for another two years. |
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| Right: The sedan was available as a "convertible" from 1961 till 1964. The 450 version was called Maia. Above: A 1966 ad featuring both the 360 and 450 sedans. This was the last year for the 450 engined cars. Also note the parking lights mounted on the bumper of the 360 (left car), later these were built in. |
| Specs: Engine 2-cycle 2 cylinder air cooled. bore: 61.5mm stroke: 60mm displacement: 356cc Horsepower, 1958: 16hp @ 4500rpm 1969*: 25hp @ 5500rpm MPG: '58 75mpg '69 66mpg* Top speed: '58: 55mph '69: 70mph *U.S. version, Japan market version was 20hp @ 4500. * claimed mpg by subaru. |