Malcolm Briklin orchestrated the introduction of the Subaru 360 to the United States in 1968. The little (356cc) car weighed less thatn 1000 pounds, so it was exempt from the safety standards of the day. Over 300 cars were imported in the first year, and it is estimated that over 10,000 cars were exported to the US -- originally selling for $1,297.
Consumer Reports gave the car a "Not Acceptable" rating in 1969, and sales began to slump -- but it served as the entry for all the Subaru cars that we see here today.
And there is an odd version currently listed on ebay -- described as a Subaru 360 Yacht car, looking like a cross between a Subaru and a Fiat Jolly. You've got to love it.
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