JNC is at the New York International Auto Show, and despite all the big reveals of new crossovers and luxury sedans, the coolest car in city right now is what our own Ryan Senensky describes as “the first Japanese car to achieve 100 horsepower per liter.”
The following is an actual conversation that happened after he posted a 360 pic to Facebook.
“What is it?”
“The first Japanese car to make 100 horsepower per liter.”
“How many liters is it?”
“.36”
“So 36 horsepower?”
“Yup.”
Well, to be fair and not totally embarrass cars like the Honda S2000, that 100 hp/L car was technically the twin-carbed 360 Young SS, which this is not. As an early 360 Deluxe, the output was more like 25 horsepower. Still, it’s a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive kei car and one of the oldest Subarus in America.
Finished in classic ivory white with red interior, the beautifully restored kei car is part of Subaru’s private history collection, usually stored at their US headquarters, but was in NYC to honor Subaru’s 50 years in the US.
Just a few feet away from the smallest Subaru, the company took the opportunity to reveal the largest. The new Subaru Ascent Concept is a 3-row crossover based on the 2016 Viziv-7 concept and something that looks pretty darn close to production. It will have a new turbocharged boxer engine, but specs were not revealed. Sorry to disappoint swap-happy readers. Sadly, it was also impossible to get the 360 and Ascent in the same shot for size comparison purposes and general hilarity.
In any case, enjoy these photos of what is likely the cleanest Subaru 360 in America, and if you’re in New York and attending the auto show, be sure to stop by the Subaru booth to see it. Public days open on Saturday, April 15.
Ahh.. what a great way to start the day, with a Subaru 360! I wish that there was a second-knee-per-leg option for humans so I could actually drive one.
I’m bummed that Subaru has a gigantic SUV like everyone else does, but I guess it’s better to keep folks in the family rather than have them step outside the Seven Sisters. Thanks for the great Subaru coverage, Ben!
At least it’s another model, they could of easily used an old nameplate that made no sense Chrysler/Mitsubishi style.
God just imagine it “We present the Subaru SVX 7-Passenger mom-truck!”
One of the best little cars made. I have owned several and never had a single problem with one. They are good for freeway and long trip driving. I sure wish I had my last one today.
Beautifully restored car.
These little ones are still running after 50 years. I own one that I drove across Siberia, and will drive the same car at the Budapest Bamako rally next January.
Nice to see that Subaru America does care about it’s history…
You drove a 360 across Siberia?! That sounds like a story we need to hear more of…
Yes, we want to know more! Any more photos from your trip?
What a great name – Ascent. Wish more car companies will go back to naming their cars with real names. Ascent looks production ready, too.
Wasn’t it Malcom Bricklin who brought the 360s to the States?
Yup, Bricklin it was.
That 360 is wonderful! I love learning about obscure and historically important Jtins. Now the Ascent, that’s just another terrible attempt by Subaru to make a larger “CUV”. Just like that last one that no one bought the Tribeca.
I have 2 360 1968
I drove Subaru 360s more than 350,000 miles, every day from Feb. 1975 – April 2015 and never got stuck on the road with one! What they lack in speed they make up for in reliability and
fun!
Where can I get a copy of that poster in the background?
Would have been cool to see a matching, restored Fuji Rabbit next to it. What is with car makers almost abandoning solid paint colors for metallic? Just look at this white… It’s gorgeous!