Subaru 360 Deluxe
Subaru’s tiny American newcomer packed four seats into a car less than ten feet long.
1970 Subaru 360 Deluxe — representative year · Jim Heaphy (Cullen328) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Research pending
A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.
Joyride shows this gap instead of substituting an asking price, unsold bid or mismatched special vehicle.
More than a set of wheels.
The Subaru 360 began as a Japanese light car and later crossed the Pacific. By 1969, U.S. buyers could discover a little sedan with its engine at the back and doors hinged at the rear. The Deluxe shown by Tucson Auto Museum belongs to that American chapter of a much longer Japanese story.
Look a little closer.
Its rounded shape earned the Subaru 360 the nickname “ladybug” in Japan.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Small shell, four places
The U.S. brochure advertised room for four people. A compact rear engine helped leave room for passengers, while a fiberglass roof panel was part of the light body design.
Source: Subaru · U.S. 360 specifications brochure (1968 archive) ↗A Japanese idea travels
Japan’s small-car rules shaped the 360’s dimensions and engine capacity. The museum explains that the American imports were one part of a model family that also included a wagon and other versions.
Source: Tucson Auto Museum · 1969 Subaru 360 Deluxe ↗Where these facts come from
- Subaru · 1969 U.S. 360 brochure, late version (archived scan)
- Tucson Auto Museum · 1969 Subaru 360 Deluxe
- Subaru · U.S. 360 specifications brochure (1968 archive)
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.