1978 1.6L 4cyl Manual in Lincoln Heights, CA

Last Updated: 8/13/2025 | Ad Source: Craigslist

Asking Price: $3,000

Key Vehicle Data

• Model Year: 1978
• Engine: 4 Cylinder
• Transmission: Manual
• Odometer: See Below
• Condition: Good

 

More Details & Pictures

Very Rare 1978 1st gen. Subaru Brat in good condition.

Most Likely original motor and 4 speed transmission with “shift on the fly” 4-wheel drive that works flawlessly. The car includes the two iconic rumble seats in the back, and awesome Subaru wagon wheel rims

Runs well and is drivable. Starts right up every time. Last smogged in California in 2014. Clean Title, no liens and currently PNO’d.

I’ve recently installed brand new tires, battery, carburetor and tune-up (plugs, wires, coil, rotor and cap, air filter, fuel filter, oil and oil filter. The car starts right up and runs well

We have put maybe 1500 miles on the car since we bought it (including driving it home from purchase in Utah to Los Angeles). Very likely the original 1.6L motor. Odometer reads @38k, but undoubtedly has turned over at least once. The frame (uni-body), floor boards, undercarriage and engine compartment are all solid. Previous owner repaired and repainted the body. But since then, it has some developed some surface rust on the fenders, in a wheel well and on the rocker panels, as well as some cracked bondo. (See Pics) These cars are notorious for rust and being completely rotted out, but this a well preserved, dry-climate example. Especially for a nearly 45-year-old car

The previous owner replaced the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, radiator, thermostat, hoses, water pump and installed auxiliary electric fans with relays that switch the fans on and off as they should. They also had a catalytic converter installed to ensure inspection compliance.
The car runs cool and doesn’t leak a drop. Like I said we drove it home from Utah to Los Angeles, through the Mojave, in July and it didn’t miss a beat, no overheating no issues. We’ve driven the car likely 500 miles since then and it’s been PNO’d since it last passed smog in 2014.
This is an almost 45-year-old vehicle on the original motor and tranny, motor has AT LEAST 138k miles. The clutch and brakes work perfectly, doesn’t leak, runs cool. Brake lights, turn signals, wipers etc. all work. Windows roll up and down no problem and all the glass is good, windshield has one small chip, easily repaired. No cracks.

All eight CV boots are in good condition with no rips. CV joints are in good shape with no noise or knocking. Suspension is tight, no wobbles, no noises. Steers straight, brakes straight.

Previous owner replaced the OEM seats with “racing” buckets with 4-point harnesses, after market steering wheel and attempted a recover of the dash that didn’t go well.

This is an OLD car. It has some surface rust and some bondo that will need some attention. The motor is tired and transmission synchronizers are worn. Transmission will scratch shifting into second if done too fast or too hard, and has, on occasion, jumped out of third gear under hard load. (I don’t drive it hard obviously)

As it is now: the car is perfectly capable of tooling around on Sunday morning to the local car club, hang-out or meet up. I am certain it will pass smog as it is unchanged since it last passed in 2014. I start and run it regularly and drive it around the block every month or two

This is a VERY COOL little car and extremely rare and I’m sad to sell it and that we didn’t have the time to restore it.
(Having a baby has a way of wrecking well laid plans)
Must see it to really appreciate it.
Please email me with any questions, can show on the weekends and possibly weekday mornings after 10.
$3000 OBO, Cash
Sold “as is” no warranty offered or implied.

Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by BRATAds

 

Seller Info

• Location: Lincoln Heights, California
• Name: Expired
• Phone: Expired
• Email: Expired