It’s not every day that you see a 1980s Subaru BRAT 4WD in a spectacular shape like this. What is the BRAT? It stands for “Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter” and is based on a Subaru Leone platform. It was motivated by a request from the President of Subaru of America. It had was developed and produced in Japan and sold 1978-1993.
It also had a trick up its sleeve to avoid the hefty “Chicken Tax” imposed by United States on import of light trucks. The trick is two rear facing seats installed in the bed of this mini truck. Look at those grab handles! These make you feel like you are operating a gun turret.
The BRAT initially came with a 1.6L EA-71 H4 engine. It received a 1.8L EA-81 H4 motor in 1981. The holy grail of BRAT were the 1983-94 model with a turbocharged motor capable of 94 hp. All models came with a 4-speed manual transmission, but a 3-speed automatic could also be ordered.
Perhaps Subaru should remake the BRAT on a CrossTrek XV platform? Here is a fun and informative TFLcar off-road video review of the 2013 Subaru CrossTrek XV.
