Hooniverse Weekend Edition – A 1970 Subaru 360 Sambar Micro Truck

I found this little Truck on eBay, and it really is unique. I’m not sure if I want it or not….


This truck is being offered by Laguna Classics of Costa Mesa, California. They currently have quite a few desirable Mercedes Benz Models, including four 1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Convertibles, but they also have a couple of “Barn Finds” which they are auctioning off, and this Subaru is one of them.

According to the listing:

Several variations of the Subaru 360 were produced and included a station wagon and a Pickup version .In 1969 the 356cc engine which displaced a mere 21.7 cubic inches, and used a 61.5mm x 60mm bore and stroke, 6.7-compression and a Solex-type Hitachi sidedraft carb to make 25hp and 5,500 rpm and 25.3-lbs.ft of torque at 4,500 rpm which was a pretty impressive feat for that time period as more than one horsepower per cubic inch was rare for a two-stroke engine. 

The Sambar was created for the market segment that desired a Subaru 360 that was able to carry small loads,
such as for commercial delivery usage. The nickname for this version is the “kuchibiru” Sambar.

This is a very neat little Truck and still has original paint on it. The last owner had the car for 27 years and he used to drive it a lot on the weekends. The Truck has now been parked for many years and he does not even remember last time he started it.

Mileage is stated as 20,000. Current bid over at eBay is $1,358, with an unmet reserve. What do you think this little beast will go for? See the eBay listing here, and see the Hemmings listing here.