We got our latest copy of Subaru’s Drive magazine recently and in it was a feature story on Ronald Reagan’s 1978 Subaru BRAT. That’s right, our 40th President drove a Brumby!
Reagan used the 4WD pickup-style car primarily on his 688-acre Santa Barbara ranch until 1998, when the family sold the ranch. The car was gifted to a friend but appeared on eBay a number of years later. The well-worn car was then re-purchased by the ranch’s caretakers and fully restored with the help of Subaru of America. The finished product is complete with rear-facing jumper seats in the pickup bed, BRAT decals, white wheels and camper shell You can see more photos at Subaru’s website.
Thanks for this interesting story!
During my high school years, I was working as a janitor at a VW dealer that had just taken on a second Marque – Subaru. I remember when the BRAT was introduced – I wanted a BRAT so badly at the time, but my parents wouldn’t hear of it. Instead I traded in my 66 Mustang and bought a 4WD Subaru station wagon. I had fun with that wagon, but still always wanted a BRAT.
It’s never too late 🙂
I see good condition ones for sale pretty frequently….
Or, you can purchase the vintage, original, go-kart version on Craig’s List: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1438112168.html
If shipping is necessary, cost is responsibility of buyer.