There’s a special charm in cars that most people see as weird. On the other hand, I have little use for exotics. Most of their performance is useless in everyday street driving, and you constantly worry about theft or damage wherever you park.
Nope, give me an old ride with character any day—something like this 1978 Subaru BRAT that recently sold on eBay.
No Rear-Facing Seats on This One
Subaru Brat ad photo
The BRAT—an acronym for Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter—is a funky four-wheel-drive compact pickup based upon the four-door Subaru GL sedan. You might recall that some BRATs have a pair of rear-facing seats fitted in the truck bed.
Those seats were there strictly to get around the 25% Chicken Tax levied on imported trucks in 1964. The tax is still in effect. But having an extra pair of seats made the BRAT no longer a truck in the eyes of revenuers. (See our discussion of classics with rear-facing seats.)
Those seats are sadly missing from this example, although I can’t imagine taking anything but a low-speed joyride in the back of a BRAT. Those seats were the subject of lawsuits due to the lack of passenger restraints. Anyhow, the capped bed on this BRAT makes it more useful as a farm or ranch vehicle. Famously, President Reagan owned a BRAT for his California ranch.
No Bad Smells
The 1978 Subaru BRAT for sale on eBay is in relatively good shape. It hasn’t been restored. Save some touch-up paint, the finish is all original. Dings and scrapes are present, but it’s a work vehicle, so that’s not a problem. The fiberglass camper shell is a cool period piece that gives a BRAT some secure storage.
This listing has one line that I sincerely appreciate: “No bad smells to worry about.” Having cleaned more than a few dead rodents out of a car, this is a reassuring statement. After all, this car has been off the road for nearly 40 years.
See: Why Does My Car Smell Like Eggs, Crayons or Other Odd Things?
The Brat’s interior looks complete, although the upholstery on the driver’s seat is well worn. We love the period-correct CB radio. However, there will be few Smokey and the Bandit speeding shenanigans with this BRAT. It produces around 70 horsepower.
Love the Dings, Dents and Tears
Considering that the Subaru has been sitting for decades, it will need some attention before heading out on its next adventures. eBay Motors has all the brake and tune-up parts you need to get this BRAT back on the road or the trail. Of course, the first and most important part of reviving any old vehicle is making sure it’s safe.
Shop now for Subaru BRAT parts
Beyond that, we might not change a thing on this old Subaru BRAT. Make it stop and go safely and wash it. But overlook the dings, dents, and tears. The character added by those scars will make any knowledgeable enthusiast stop and stare with adoration—more love and respect than a Ferrari or Lambo might get.
