1968 Subaru 360

With just one former UK keeper, this 1968 Subaru 360 spent its first few years in a private collection after arriving here from Japan in 2016. 

Clearly having seen little use in the UK - the mileage was warranted by BIMTA in Japan at only 55,956kms and it now reads only 55,988km, or 35,000 miles – ‘VVK 354G’ would make a charming addition to any collection and is sure to create a stir wherever you take it.

The paintwork is, the seller tells us, believed to be the original. The classic off-white that Subaru 360s are known for, it’s developed an appealing patina over the years, the sun having weathered and cracked the finish. 

And yet, for all the UV damage the majority of the rubber window seals and the plastic trim has survived well. The lamp lenses are all good too, as is the window glass.

The fibreglass ‘Overtop’ roof, there to save weight, something that’s critical when you only had 16bhp to play with originally, is in great shape.

The steel wheels, which are a diminutive 10-inches in diameter, are rusty though, and will need to be refurbished. The chrome hubcaps that cover them are similarly pitted and in need of some TLC if you aren’t a fan of a patina.

The two-ply 4.80-10 Bridgestone Skyway H tyres have good tread, but we can’t date them, so that will need further investigation to ensure they’re safe to use and not perished with age.

As well as the cracks in the paint we mentioned, the 360 does have a few dents and dinks, most notably in the nearside front wing above the side repeater and on the offside rear wheelarch. There is also some corrosion on the single skin section at the bottom of the door.

Other cosmetic defects are more minor. The door handles are tarnished, and the rubber seals on the opening rear windows need replacing as they are worn.

The interior is in much the same shape as the coachwork, which is to say it is well worn but still in a very usable condition and packed full of charm.

The padded dashboard, which you might expect to be cracked and sun-scoured, is actually in great shape with a glossy finish and no damage. It’s the same story for the steering wheel, including the padded central hub, and a useful storage tray lies underneath.

The grey corduroy seats are in a good condition too. The front is an unusual design with a one-piece bench base and split folding backrests that tilt forward to give access to the bench in the rear. 

The seat slides forward as one in five distinct stages, so it can accommodate drivers of all sizes. It also reclines flat, offering “exquisite relaxation” according to the brochure that forms part of the car’s history file.

The seat covering itself is in a good condition, but it clearly isn’t the original as they left the factory with red vinyl to contrast with the colour of the paintwork.

The headlining probably is original and despite its age is in good shape. The door cards on the rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors are also good.

The three levers behind the three-speed-plus-overdrive gearshift operate the choke, heater, and fuel cut-off or petcock. The latter is necessary because the 360’s petrol supply is gravity fed from the tank to the carburettor, so will leak if you leave it turned on when the car isn’t being used. Owners of old motorcycles will be familiar with the arrangement.

The frunk contains a spare wheel and the battery. 

As for work to do, there is some light surface corrosion on the floors and inside the frunk. The front also needs a carpet sourcing or making.

The engine bay is actually pretty good. Sure, there’s some light surface rust on some of the components and the air filter case but rectifying that would be cheap and easy. The rest is nicely done and could easily be left as it is.

As for its mechanical condition, the seller reports: “We have cleaned out the carburettor and freed off the brakes after it’s time in the collection. With a new battery, fresh fuel and some 2-stroke oil, the little two-cylinder engine fired immediately, and we have had endless fun taking fellow small car enthusiasts up and down the lane. The car always starts on the first turn of the key regardless to how long it's been.” 

A complete spare drivetrain comes with the car, too. This comprises an engine, carburettor, and gearbox. Please see the photo for details.

Brilliantly, the 360 comes with the original Subaru suited key, brochure, and advertising poster in addition to its BIMTA mileage and dating certificates, import stickers, and Japanese writing on the windows.

It has a current V5 registration document, of course, as well as a letter confirming that UK duty and VAT have been paid.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for being an imported car.
The Subaru doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 

The Subaru 360 was recently tipped as being one of the fastest appreciating classic cars in the world, so this one might offer its new owner more than a riotous drive.

As for its value, the seller tells us the 360 has been making $40,000-$50,000 at auction in America, and this one was valued at £15,000-£20,000 as an unregistered import.

But we recognize it’s not for everyone, so we think somewhere between £14,000 and £18,000 is probably a fair price, and if it achieves that, there’s probably room for it to grow over the coming years, especially if you invest a little more time and money in restoring it to its former glory.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Chelmsford, Essex. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.