This is bizarre to watch: an attempt to sell a Japanese “kei-car” in the U.S. car market of the late ’60s. Kei-cars are extremely small, light and low-powered, and they were even more so back in 1969, when the engine had to be *under* 360 cc. Meanwhile, many U.S. cars at this time were huge, and the late ’60s was the peak of the muscle car era. Talk about a culture clash…
No, the original car was really that light; no weight reduction was needed. The 360 was designed for Japan’s “kei-car” standard of extremely light, low-powered cars. But you’re definitely right that Subaru benefited from the U.S. safety standards not applying to cars under 1000 lb. It was just good luck on their part, though–at least until Consumer Reports’ “Not Acceptable” rating ruined the party.
It’s so obviously they were trying to appeal to young drivers with this advertising. All the “groovy” lingo, all young people in the ad. It’s rather funny.
Hellow.
you know what ?
SUBARU (fuji heavy industry)was a NAKAJIMA AIR CRAFT.
thanks for japanese car loved allover the world.
(I use valvoline motor oil.like the oldschool oscar . )
It may not be as attractive as its later Subarus sold, but it seems to make better sense than today’s cars that are sold. It’s too bad Subaru didn’t continue selling rear-engined cars along side its bigger, front wheel drive and 4wd cars.
. . . and gran prix excitement. The excitement of swing axles tucking under to reduce traction. Giving you that ‘oohhh shit that’s the FENCE!’ feeling. Body roll – Standard. Still, I bet they’re a hoot to drive.
I agree. The car and van look like copies of VW’s and the truck looks like a rip off of the Corvair Rampside. Yes, Japan did copy a lot back then much like China does today but they also took existing designs and improved them (Willys Jeep vs. Toyota Landcruiser). The difference is that modern China only copies (often poorly) and doesn’t improve anything because engineers are expensive.
See? Only Asians aware coolly of side loading a truck.
This is bizarre to watch: an attempt to sell a Japanese “kei-car” in the U.S. car market of the late ’60s. Kei-cars are extremely small, light and low-powered, and they were even more so back in 1969, when the engine had to be *under* 360 cc. Meanwhile, many U.S. cars at this time were huge, and the late ’60s was the peak of the muscle car era. Talk about a culture clash…
No, the original car was really that light; no weight reduction was needed. The 360 was designed for Japan’s “kei-car” standard of extremely light, low-powered cars. But you’re definitely right that Subaru benefited from the U.S. safety standards not applying to cars under 1000 lb. It was just good luck on their part, though–at least until Consumer Reports’ “Not Acceptable” rating ruined the party.
looks like a cross between the vw bug and fiat 500
Besides lacking seatbelts and just generally being deathtraps, all of those cars are pretty bitchin.
@blastmasta75 they had a top speed of 68 mph
@palebeachbum no it’s iota Japanese cousin
This car was started to sell around mid of 1959 in Japan.
It’s so obviously they were trying to appeal to young drivers with this advertising. All the “groovy” lingo, all young people in the ad. It’s rather funny.
It looks like a VW Bug had a retarded baby.
so what else is new
Hellow.
you know what ?
SUBARU (fuji heavy industry)was a NAKAJIMA AIR CRAFT.
thanks for japanese car loved allover the world.
(I use valvoline motor oil.like the oldschool oscar . )
It’s CUTE rather than ugly.
It may not be as attractive as its later Subarus sold, but it seems to make better sense than today’s cars that are sold. It’s too bad Subaru didn’t continue selling rear-engined cars along side its bigger, front wheel drive and 4wd cars.
. . . and gran prix excitement. The excitement of swing axles tucking under to reduce traction. Giving you that ‘oohhh shit that’s the FENCE!’ feeling. Body roll – Standard. Still, I bet they’re a hoot to drive.
they are here to stay….they last and last,
shit just got real… has ESP and stabilization againts traction
3:08 – Toretto – “I said a ten-*second* car, not a ten-*minute* car!”
2:47 – driving gloves for a 25 hp car? LOLOL
I agree. The car and van look like copies of VW’s and the truck looks like a rip off of the Corvair Rampside. Yes, Japan did copy a lot back then much like China does today but they also took existing designs and improved them (Willys Jeep vs. Toyota Landcruiser). The difference is that modern China only copies (often poorly) and doesn’t improve anything because engineers are expensive.
That looks way better then new subarus.
awesome
With a 4 stroke motor though…LOL
you name it. the van can do it.
hmm how about hitting 60 mph. yea… no
haha I forgot all about this, thanks for bringing me back, I got to laugh all over again