Subaru Brat

Ok, the search function shows a car on fire (never a good thing I'd say) again and I'm looking for information on these.

Any old posts come to mind or owners with a bit of insight?

thanks much.

Check out the "Search Function Workarounds" thread up there for help.

There was a Brat on the $2011 Classifieds board that may help.

I've lived on the Eastern seabord nearly all my life and and haven't seen more than 1 in the last 10 years. 20 years ago I used to see them frequently - every last one in the process of biodegrading.

Really cool cars.

Can accept modern Subaru engines
Some have dual range 4wd transmissions
They came with optional rear jump seats
I believe there are a few ways to lift them
Rare and totally badass

Absolute panty dropper

Rust, rust, rust and rust.

Even in the PNW where cars aren't exposed to road salt old subarus rust like they think they are italian cars or something.

My favorite Brat. It is in the UK with a full STI drivetrain.

They had all but dissapeared around here. I probably went 5 years without seeing one but all of the sudden they seem to be everywhere. I probably see 3 a month now.

A favorite- http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/i-got-a-subaru-brat/21204/page1/

And here's the search results for the whole pile.

Thanks Tom...

...and the old board looks funny now.

Email me the info and I will buy it this weekend to save you the temptation. ;)

I've seen one in NJ a few times. A later one. Looked to be in surprisingly good condition. They were rare around here to begin with... these days I'm more likely to see a new Ferrari...

I agree about the rust... my '82 wagon had door skins that would flap in the wind - in 1988 (traded it for a p/u in 1990). Slow as ballz, but still one of the most fun cars I've ever owned... if it had a 5 spd and a/c, I'd still be driving it.

Nevermind, I found the CL ad and the price is too steep for me right now. At $1000 I would be calling him right away.

The jump seats were not "optional". They were welded in, kept it from being classified as a truck under the import rules of the time.

ddavidv wrote: The jump seats were not "optional". They were welded in, kept it from being classified as a truck under the import rules of the time.

Good to know. I just assumed they were optional since they seem to be a coveted item. Maybe they break a lot.

ditchdigger wrote: My favorite Brat. It is in the UK with a full STI drivetrain.

My reading about that brat in the UK magazine "retro car" ignited my urge to have one

ddavidv wrote: The jump seats were not "optional". They were welded in, kept it from being classified as a truck under the import rules of the time.

Ahh, yes, the Chicken Tax. Still exists today (see: Ford Transit Connect). If you want a Brat with the rear jump seats, you'll need to look for a MY85 or older. MY86-forward lost the jump seats.

I do see the odd Brat for sale from time-to-time on New England-area CL, but like everyone else here mentioned they are most likely rotten underneath.

yes... they eventually gave up on the rear facing jumpseats.. I wonder how much fun those actually were?

mad_machine wrote: yes... they eventually gave up on the rear facing jumpseats.. I wonder how much fun those actually were?

I always wanted to get two brats , six people, and four paintball markers!

my second grade teacher had one, ahh I loved Mrs. Hugo!

mad_machine wrote: yes... they eventually gave up on the rear facing jumpseats.. I wonder how much fun those actually were?

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun!!!

I taught my GF to drive stick just so I could ride in the back finally.. At Soob meets, I would often give rides, and there was usually more people waiting when I returned....

Taiden wrote:

THe girl has a very zenlook about her. The boy just looks like a drowned rat

Umm... that's a boy. You know how I know you haven't watched "My Name is Earl?"

my bad then... we will do it this way. The one on the left is having a zen moment... the one on the right is having a wet moment

Did Slick ever sell his?