Outlined below is a brief review and history of the Subaru BRAT. This includes unique features and various naming conventions. At the bottom of this page the BRAT in pop culture is discussed.
Development & Brief History Wiki
The BRAT is a four wheel drive utility coupe based on the Subaru Leone sedan that was first introduced in 1971. The President of Subaru of America requested the development of the BRAT in 1977 for model year 1978. The original idea was to compete with similar vehicles of the time including the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero. It was also brought to market in response to the rise in popularity during the late 1970s of small import pickup trucks from Toyota, Nissan and Mazda.
The term BRAT is actually an acronym derived from the longer more formal title Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. Which was of course an attempt to describe the concept and purposed implementation of the vehicle.
A very unique design element of the US versions of the BRAT was that there was carpeting in the rear cargo “truck bed” area along with rear-facing “jumpseats” that were welded in. This differed from its contemporaries that had more of a truck bed style rear with a steel stock liner and no formal seating.
The design was not really for originality though; considering the seats were plastic it was basically a way for the BRAT to avoid the Chicken Tax – a 25% tariff imposed by President Johnson in 1963. Instead of the 25% tax on import light trucks the BRAT was able to skate by with a mere 2.5% tariff due to its classification as a passenger car. The cost however was reduced cargo area and unsafe seating that resulted in serious injuries during accidents. The rear jumpseats were discontinued after the 1985 model year.
(It should be noted that now aftermarket seats can be purchased for the BRAT that feature five point harnesses and are much safer.)
Unique Features
Listed below are more unique BRAT features:
- Optional T-top Split Roof
- Spring Loaded Hidden Door – for side step into cargo bed
- Spare tire mounted under hood
See full features on our Specs page
Subaru BRAT Nomenclature
The Subaru BRAT was given many different names depending on the variation or market for which it was being sold in. Listed below the variations.
- Subaru Brumby (Australia)
- Subaru 284 (UK)
- Subaru Shifter
- Subaru MV
- Subaru Targa
End of Production
After being introduced in 1978 the BRAT had major redesigns in 1982 and 1985 but import into North America was discontinued soon after in 1987. Production continued until 1993 for imports into Australia, Europe, South America and New Zealand. Despite Subaru being a Japanese owned and operated company, the BRAT was never sold in Japan.
Subaru BRAT in Pop Culture
The Subaru BRAT has been owned by celebrities and featured in TV and film along with video games. Below are the celebs who have owned a BRAT and media where the BRAT has appeared…
- Ronald Reagan
- My Name is Earl
- George Lopez Show
- Kidd Video
- Achewood
- Napoleon Dynamite
- Forza Horizon 2
Anything else to add? Let us know below…
Really like the fact your here,Would like to know if you have any idea where to find more info on Turbo brats 83 & 84 wondering first how many were made,and any info would be much appreciated,I have a pretty nice one I am going to start on as I just finished my 85 GL hatchback,And my 85 brat before that it turned out very nice as well.Also would you think there’s much of a price increase for the 84 turbo Brat as resale value?? thank you much
Hello, stumbled upon your post. Might you have any connections on Subarus for sale other than brats. I had a GL-10 Loyale Wagon that was loads of fun and I would love to find one again. Any help?
Ray Vacca
raypunzel@bex.net