Subaru BRAT GL
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was one of the most creatively engineered vehicles of the 1970s. Part pickup truck, part sports utility vehicle, and part tax avoidance scheme, the BRAT was Subaru's audacious answer to the growing American appetite for recreational vehicles.
The BRAT GL was powered by Subaru's 1,781cc flat-four (boxer) engine, producing 67 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. This was Subaru's signature engine layout — horizontally opposed cylinders that provided a low center of gravity and smooth operation. The engine drove all four wheels through Subaru's part-time 4WD system, which could be engaged via a dashboard lever. A four-speed manual gearbox or three-speed automatic transmitted power.
The BRAT was based on the Leone/DL wagon platform, shortened and fitted with an open pickup bed. The masterstroke was the addition of two rear-facing plastic seats bolted into the bed, complete with their own seatbelts. This seemingly eccentric feature was actually a clever regulatory workaround: by classifying the BRAT as a four-passenger vehicle rather than a commercial truck, Subaru avoided the 25% 'chicken tax' tariff on imported light trucks.
The GL trim level included upgraded upholstery, additional chrome trim, and a more complete instrument panel compared to the base DL version. The cab accommodated two people on a bench seat, with a basic but functional dashboard featuring standard instrumentation and heating/ventilation controls.
The BRAT's part-time 4WD system was effective for light off-road use and provided confidence in snow and mud. The flat-four engine, mounted low and forward, gave the BRAT decent weight distribution for a front-heavy vehicle. The ride was truck-like but adequate for recreational use.
President Ronald Reagan famously owned a BRAT at his Rancho del Cielo ranch in California, adding to the vehicle's cultural cachet. The BRAT was produced from 1978 to 1994 (in various markets) and has since become a cult classic, with surviving examples increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate its unique character and historical significance.
Rust is the BRAT's biggest enemy — check frame rails, bed floor, wheel arches, and rocker panels thoroughly. Many BRATs have been used hard and put away wet. Verify 4WD system engages and disengages properly. The rear bed seats should be present and functional (they significantly increase value). Engine and drivetrain are robust. Intact bed and tailgate add value.
Produced at Subaru's factory in Japan from 1978 to 1994 (internationally). The US market received the BRAT from 1978 to 1987. The bed seats were included on US-market cars to avoid the 25% chicken tax on imported light trucks.