Subaru has manufactured various unique cars since 1953, and the Brat is one of their hyped JDM imports. Still, though, many people disliked the Subaru BRAT for its design and styling, but many appreciated it for its uniqueness. The BRAT stands for, ‘Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. It was a four-wheel-drive car and was able to glide over most terrains. This baby truck had many names across the globe like the 284, Brumby, Shifter, MV, and Targa, and the BRAT made its entry when the demand for small pickup trucks was growing. This vehicle was introduced to the global market in 1978 as a 2-door coupe utility.
Soon after its launch, the BRAT was deemed the weird kid on the block and garnered attention where ever it went. Subaru was quick to realize that any publicity is good publicity. So, here is our detailed look back at the Subaru BRAT, a gem forgotten in the sands of time and underappreciated in its era.
Under The Hood Of The Subaru BRAT
In its initial years, the BRAT got a 1.6-liter EA71 engine with a 4-speed manual transmission, which produced 67 HP and 81 lb-ft of torque. The baby truck gave 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on highways, which was quite good. However, these power figures were not enough for BRAT lovers to appreciate, and in effect, Subaru came out with a bigger engine for the car in 1981.
From 1981 every BRAT came with a 1.8-liter EA81 engine, which produced 73 HP and 94 lb-ft of torque while the transmission remained the same. For the years 1983 and 1984, Subaru offered turbocharged engines that produced 97 HP and had a 3-speed automatic transmission.
BRAT from 1978 to 1980 got a single-range transfer case, which changed to a dual-range transfer case from the 1981 model, and turbocharged brats had a single-range transfer and push-button four-wheel drive.
Exterior Design Of The Subaru BRAT
If we talk about exterior design, the BRAT is surely an iconic car and something we wish should return. While designing the BRAT, Subaru didn't have an appropriate idea or a substantial budget, so they took a wagon and chopped off the rear section and brought the Brat into this world.
At that time, there was a tariff on any imported pickup trucks known as the chicken tax. To avoid paying the tax, Subaru installed rear-facing seats in the cargo area to make this pickup truck look like a family vehicle. These seats seemed to be a deathtrap though, with no seatbelts and only a handlebar with grips for safety. But if you parked this baby truck at the beach, or wanted an ultimate date evening, the BRAT's jump seats would be perfect.
In this baby truck, a t-top split roof popular in the '80s was available as an option. For sidestepping in the cargo area, a spring-loaded hidden door was open. Interestingly, the spare tire was placed under the hood instead of the conventional rear storage, but then again the concept of the BRAT was to defy convention. The Subie BRAT weighs around 2,200 lbs, had a wheelbase of 96.7 inches, and measured 174.2 inches in length.
Interiors Of The Subaru BRAT
The BRAT's interior was uncomplicated. The instrument panel had a simple speedometer, fuel indicator, temperature indicator, and other warning lights. The odd thing found inside it was the air-conditioning vent that stretched across the entire passenger side. Another strange feature was a chime sound when the doors opened. The seats were covered with ordinary fabric and were a bit comfortable. No fancy items existed in the interior of the BRAT.
How Much Does The Subaru BRAT Cost Today?
Upon its initial launch, the Subaru BRAT wore a price tag of about $5,000. It was not very successful due to which only a limited number of BRATs were sold. This makes it extremely hard to find this vehicle today. Very few are left in the garages of collectors or even abandoned. Today, an original BRAT from 1978 may cost you around $10,000. Price may vary on model year and its condition.
Why Did The Subaru BRAT Fail In The United States?
People wanted something more than these compact trucks. More power, more features eventually lead to a decline in sales of the BRAT. This baby truck did not last long but bought a new phase in the pickup market. However, BRAT revived in 2003 with a new tag, ‘the Baja’. With better styling and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, the new Baja faced a similar fate and also vanished soon from the US market. Subaru manufactured around 800,000 BRATs and of that only 100,000 examples were ever sold in the USA. At present, very few are left. If you are willing to buy one, you may find it online or in a unique car collectors garage.