Is Brat Summer really over, or is it a state of mind? Brat summer wasn’t over for Subaru in the 70s with the limited United States run of the Subaru BRAT. Let’s go back to school, and learn some fun car history, while we hold on to Brat summer (for dear life).
The Subaru BRAT is one of those vehicles that defies easy categorization—a compact truck with a personality all its own. The B-R-A-T in Subaru BRAT stands for: Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, which somehow fits the term BRAT. Introduced in the late 1970s, the BRAT wasn’t just another small truck; it was a clever workaround designed to meet a specific market demand and ended up becoming a cult classic.
The Subaru BRAT was born out of necessity. In the mid-1970s, Subaru wanted to enter the American truck market but faced a significant hurdle: a hefty tariff on imported trucks. Subaru came up with a creative solution—classifying the BRAT as a passenger vehicle instead of a truck. How you might ask? By adding two rear-facing jump seats in the bed, which allowed it to avoid the import tax and hit the U.S. market at a competitive price.
The BRAT hit the market in 1978, it was instantly recognizable. Part pickup truck, part compact car, it featured Subaru’s reliable flat-four engine and standard 4WD. This made it a versatile vehicle for both city streets and off-road adventures, but the real conversation starter was those two rear-facing seats bolted into the bed. While their actual usefulness was debatable, they became a defining feature that set the BRAT apart from anything else on the road.
The BRAT quickly found its niche among outdoor enthusiasts, young drivers, and anyone who appreciated a vehicle that was a bit out of the ordinary. With its rugged design and practical features, the BRAT became a favorite in rural areas where its 4WD capability could really shine.
The BRAT’s appeal didn’t stop there. It even caught the attention of Ronald Reagan, who famously drove one on his ranch before he became President. Over time, the BRAT also made appearances in movies, TV shows, and video games, cementing its place as a pop culture icon.
Production of the BRAT was phased out in the U.S. after 1987 due to changing market demands and stricter safety regulations that made the jump seats obsolete. Even though it had a relatively short run, the BRAT left a lasting impact on both Subaru and the automotive world.
Today, the Subaru BRAT is a sought-after collector’s item, cherished by enthusiasts who love its quirky design and offbeat charm. Its legacy lives on in later Subaru models like the Outback and Baja, vehicles that continue the tradition of blending practicality with a spirit of adventure.
The Subaru BRAT may not have been the most conventional vehicle on the market, but it was a vehicle that dared to be different, combining functionality with a unique design. Whether you were driving it on rugged trails or just showing it off around town, the BRAT was, and still is, a vehicle like no other.
Image Source: MotorTrend
