Subaru made its fair share of unique cars since it was founded in 1953. Most of which are sadly no longer around today. They either did not meet customers' expectations at the time or were not ideal for the global market. The Subaru Brat was one of Subaru's first export-only models. Due to this, it was only produced for a few years in certain countries.

Subaru lovers and petrol heads will most likely remember this classic utility coupe. Today, we are discussing the Subaru Brat in finer detail from why it's no longer in production to how much one is worth now. 

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Finer Details Of The Subaru Brat

Via: Hagerty

Subaru released the first Brat model in 1978 and sold it until 1994. It's no longer around today as brand new, but they are still highly sought after.

The name Brat stands for "Bi-drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter". Subaru designed this small truck as a four-wheel-drive that was suitable for everyday driving as well as off-road trails. It was perfect for a family living in the country as much as for those living in the city.

Its design is a 2-door coupe utility with an open back for loading goods. The first model offered a 1.6-liter engine with a 4-speed transmission. Later models saw an increase in engine size, with a 1.8-liter engine. An option to drive the Brat as an automatic was available for those who preferred it. A 3-speed automatic transmission is available in all generations.

Exterior features included a spring-loaded hidden door, which was useful for sidestepping inside. This was a new feature of this generation but is now an option most people would assume a small truck would have.

There were options to have a spare wheel under the hood as well as a T-top split roof. The car was more for practicality than it was to show off, so the design was kept pretty straightforward.

Subaru Brat And The World Market

Via: Wikipedia

The Subaru Brat did not share a global name. Instead, the US and Canada referred to it by its original name, Subaru Brat. Outside of the US, it was known as 284 by the United Kingdom and Brumby in Australia. Other market names for the Subaru Brat included Shifter, Tanga, or MV.

Being an export-only model, the Brat did not reach the Japanese market. Instead, it was imported as a grey model by Japanese residents who wanted to own the car. During the time of release, Japanese customers were not looking for small trucks. Instead, they were buying station wagons, which is another reason the Japanese team decided not to push the Brat in their market. It was a shame it never took off there, as maybe it would mean the car could still be around today. Or for a bit longer at least.

Although the Brat was not sold specifically in Japan, it was still assembled there. The American Subaru team worked with the team in Japan to build a small versatile truck to meet the standards of similar Toyota and Nissan models. The Subaru Brat stood out among its competitors, as it was the only four-wheel-drive small truck at the time. It was also sold at a competitive price and boasted a larger engine than other small trucks on the market.

It was certainly popular in the United States as Ronald Reagen owned one from 1978 to 1998. Reagen kept the Brat at his ranch in California. After selling, the small truck was repaired and returned back to the ranch for Young America's Foundation.

How Much They Are Worth Today

Via: Mecum Auctions

The average value of an original 1978 Subaru Brat is $10,000. This price will vary depending on mileage, history, and condition. This is a pretty good price for a classic car and a model of this size.

Later models sell for a lot less, at around $5,000. Some you may find for as little as $3,000. For half the price you might better get a better condition Subaru, but it isn't such a classic. Again, prices will depend on the age, history, and condition.

Classic models are typically more expensive due to the collector keeping the car in great condition, having low mileage, and a good history.

Why They Are No Longer Made

Via: Amazing Vehicles Blogger

It is quite rare to find a Subaru Brat for sale. A few second-hand sellers are offering them online, but they are not as easy to find as you might expect. Maybe Subaru collectors really wanted to hold onto this model.

During the mid-'90s, the obsession with compact trucks reduced and so did the sales. After a few declining years, Subaru decided to discontinue the Brat in 1994.

RELATED: Here's Why Subaru Should Bring Back The Brat

To sum it all up, the Subaru Brat is a pretty rare model for its time. It was the only four-wheel-drive small truck, which beat its competitors due to its durability and all-terrain design. Now, it is quite difficult to find if you want to purchase one. But if you do, you are looking at anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000. The older the model the more classic it is, so sellers will bump the price up.

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