Bring back the Subaru BRAT! [Op/Ed]

Subaru Brat fun on wheels
The Subaru BRAT was, and still is, one of the most unique pickup trucks ever sold in the United States. A pipsqueak among any other pickup truck, the Subaru BRAT made up for its small size with affordability, economy, ruggedness and commuter-car ease of driving.

Built on the Subaru Leone (small wagon) platform, the Subaru BRAT was tough and remarkably capable in the rough. To avoid the pricey (around 25%) “Chicken Tax” charged to off-shore importers of pickup trucks (among other goods) Subaru placed two rear-facing seats in the Subaru BRAT to legally register it as a passenger vehicle. The seats took up a lot of bedspace, but they were fairly easy to remove.

Subaru Brat Gen 1 brochure
Also known as the Subaru 284, Subaru Brumby, Subaru Shifter, Subaru MV, Subaru Targa, Subaru MPV the SubaruBRAT (an acronym for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was sold in the United States from 1978 to 1987. Most Subaru BRATs came with a four-speed manual transmission. A three-speed automatic was available too. Many owners have replaced the four-speed manual with a five-speed conversion kit.

Engines included:

’78-’82: (EA-71) 67 bhp (50 kW; 68 PS) at 5,200 rpm and makes 81 lb·ft (110 N·m) at 2,400 rpm.

’82-’87: (EA-81)73 bhp (54 kW; 74 PS) at 4,800 rpm and makes 94 lb·ft (127 N·m) at 2,400 rpm

Last generation sold in the USA (EA-81-turbo) 95 bhp (71 kW; 96 PS) at 4,200 rpm and makes 123 lb·ft (167 N·m) at 2,800 rpm*

*The turbocharged Subaru Brat was only available with the tree-speed automatic transmission.

subaru_brat_blue_1983 brochure
A one and two-speed transfer case came with the Subaru BRAT (depending on the year and model). Located near the stick/gear lever, it allows the driver to engage and disengage the rear axle. This is a nifty feature as the engine is much happier sending power to just two wheels. Still, despite the low horsepower/torque numbers, the lightweight truck-let scampers over most obstacles. The only off road obstacles that thwart the Subaru BRAT are deep mud and huge rocks.

Let me put it to you this way: I drove a ’79 Subaru Brat off road on a challenging ORV trail in Southern California in the late 80’s. I followed Wranglers and Blazers, fully built to handle serious off road adventure. The Subaru BRAT had factory, tiny street tires and no additions. Not only did the little Subie keep up with the big bruisers, it danced through tight areas that only a Suzuki Samurai dare enter.

Could you imagine a modern-day Subaru BRAT!?

Just the idea of an affordable, economical, fun truck-let like the Subaru BRAT brings a smile to may nostalgic gear-heads who remember how amazingly utilitarian the Subaru BRAT was. Sure, it was a tad unsafe. Okay, it was VERY unsafe in the back. Despite that, the idea of a vehicle with this much functionality is mighty compelling.

Come on Subaru! Build a modern Subaru BRAT for a BRAT-hungry world!

Speaking of small(ish) trucks…

Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed  worldwide.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed
worldwide.