Subaru 360
Subaru
Photo: Mytho88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Subaru first car (1958-1971). The tiny "ladybug" kei car that launched the brand.
The Subaru 360 was the brand first mass-produced car, a tiny kei car produced from 1958 to 1971 that put postwar Japan on wheels. Nicknamed the ladybug for its rounded shape, it used a tiny rear-mounted two-stroke engine and lightweight construction to provide affordable basic transportation. The 360 was hugely important to Subaru and to Japan motorization, and its charming, diminutive design has made it a beloved classic. It was even briefly imported to the US, though its tiny size and modest performance limited its success there. On WhipJury, the 360 appears as a charming, historically significant classic kei car.
360 specifications
Tiny rear-engine kei car, two-stroke engine, lightweight construction. Subaru first mass-produced car, the ladybug. Produced 1958-1971.
360 on WhipJury
A charming, historically significant classic kei car.
Frequently asked questions about Subaru 360
Was the 360 Subaru first car?
Yes, the 360 was Subaru first mass-produced car, launched in 1958, and it was hugely important to the brand and to postwar Japan motorization.
Why is the 360 called the ladybug?
Its tiny, rounded shape earned it the affectionate ladybug nickname in Japan.
Was the 360 sold in the US?
Yes, briefly, though its tiny size and modest performance limited its success in the American market.
What engine does the 360 use?
A tiny rear-mounted two-stroke engine, in keeping with kei-car regulations of the era, prioritizing efficiency and low cost.
Is the 360 collectible?
Yes, as Subaru first car and a charming piece of Japanese automotive history, clean examples are sought after by collectors.