Subaru

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Summer 2006 Forward to a Friend


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Subaru 360 Sedan
The 360’s two-cycle, two-cylinder engine could achieve up to 66 miles per gallon.

360-First Subaru

The Subaru 360 in the attic is a 1969 model that has been semi-restored. It was used as a display model for the 30th anniversary of SOA in 1999, representing the first mass-produced Subaru automobile. The car was first imported in limited quantities in 1968.

Introduced in Japan in 1958, the 360 was a four-passenger, rear-engine, rear-drive automobile. It weighed less than 1,000 pounds and measured less than 10 feet long.

The 360’s 25-horsepower, two-cycle, two-cylinder, in-line engine was mounted behind the rear wheels. The 356-cc (21.7-cu. in.) engine was air-cooled, and it was capable of achieving 66 miles per gallon.

Here’s some 360 trivia:
• In early commercials for the 360, the word Subaru was pronounced with the accent on the second syllable – su-BAR-u.
• 360 wagons, vans, and pickup trucks were manufactured, demonstrating the 360’s versatility – much like Subaru vehicles today! (An example of the van is also stored in the Subaru attic.)


Subaru 360 – Selected Major Specifications and Performance

From the Subaru 360 Sedan Service Manual (Body Section), Fuji Heavy Industries
Model K111D
Category Sedan

Dimensions and Weights
Length 2,995 mm (117.9 in)
Width 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Height 1,350 mm (53.1 in)

Compartment (Interior Dimensions)
Length 1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Width 1,100 mm (43.3 in)
Height 1,120 mm (44.1 in)
Floor Height 220 mm (8.7 in)
Minimum Road Clearance 150 mm (6.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Tread (Front Wheel) 1,140 mm (44.9 in)
Tread (Rear Wheel) 1,070 mm (42.1 in)
Vehicle Weight 420 kg (925.0 lb)

Tire
Front 4.80 - 10 x 2P
Rear 4.80 - 10 x 2P

Performance
Maximum Speed 110 km/h (68 mph)
Minimum Turning Diameter 8 m (26.2 ft)
Braking Distance
(50 km/h)		 12 m (39.4 ft at 31 mph)

Engine
Manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries
Type Gasoline Engine
Cooling Forced Air-Cooled
Cylinders Two In Line
Cycle 2-Cycle
Bore x Stroke 61.5 mm x 60 mm
(2.42 in x 2.36 in)
Total Displacement 356 cc (21.7 cu in)
Compression Ratio 6.7
Maximum Horsepower 25 (5,500 rpm)
Maximum Torque 3.5 m-kg (25.3 ft-lb) /4,500 rpm
Location Rear
Carburetor Solex type (Hitachi)
Fuel Tank Capacity 25 liters (6.6 U.S. gal)

Steering System
Steering Gear Type Rack-and-pinion

Body Frame
Frameless monocoque

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Subaru 360 Sedan Gallery
(Select image to view larger version.)

One of the few 1968 Subaru 360 Sedans imported to the United States from Japan.
 
 

Service and owner’s manuals for the Subaru 360 were more basic than today’s.

 		 
Details of the two-cylinder, air-cooled Subaru 360.

Subaru 360 Ad and Brochure Gallery
(Select image to view larger version.)

Ads and brochures for the scrappy Subaru 360 are from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Subaru 360 Van Gallery
(Select image to view larger version.)

One of the rare imported Subaru 360 Vans is housed in the “attic,” awaiting restoration.
More "Attic" Subaru vehicles can be found at A Peek in the "Attic" - Part Two; articles on vehicles in the Subaru performance "Attic" are listed at A Peek in the Performance Attic.