Is the Subaru BRAT rare?
The Subaru BRAT is relatively rare compared with most cars of its era. The model was produced for a limited window and has since become a cult classic among enthusiasts.
Created for a brief run from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, the BRAT—short for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter—was built with rear-facing seats in the cargo bed and a distinctive blend of practicality and novelty. Today, surviving examples are scarce, which helps explain its status as a sought-after collector’s item among Subaru fans and vintage-pickup aficionados.
What makes the BRAT rare?
To understand why the BRAT stands out today, consider the following factors that contribute to its scarcity.
- Limited production window: the BRAT was produced primarily from 1978 through 1984 in the United States, with nearby markets offering similar runs, resulting in a relatively small total production figure compared with mainstream pickups of the era.
- Distinctive design and novelty: its rear-facing jump seats in the cargo bed and unique marketing as a family-friendly yet rugged compact pickup created a niche appeal that hasn’t been replicated in later Subaru models.
- Aging and survivability: as a classic vehicle, many BRATs have suffered rust, body damage, or heavy use, and a good number have been scrapped or heavily modified, reducing the pool of original, drivable examples.
- Regional variation and branding: while a BRAT lineage exists in some markets (for example, related “Brumby” models in Australia), the BRAT badge itself is relatively rare outside dedicated collector circles.
These elements together mean that well-preserved or restored BRATs are far less common than many other cars from the same era and continue to attract attention from collectors.
Current market status
Today’s market for BRATs reflects their rarity, with activity centered in classic-car circles and specialty auctions.
- Availability: BRATs appear sporadically in auctions, classifieds, and club-lister listings, positioned as niche finds rather than everyday inventory.
- Condition spectrum: most examples are project cars or require substantial restoration; a smaller share are solid, driver-ready units, and only a handful are truly pristine or show-worthy without restoration.
- Demand and regional interest: the cars are especially prized by Subaru enthusiasts and vintage-vehicle collectors in regions with a strong JDM or early-subaru heritage; interest varies by country and market.
Prospective buyers should expect a careful search process, potential restoration work, and verification of provenance and condition before purchase.
Pricing indicators
Prices for BRATs can vary widely based on condition, provenance, and market conditions. Typical ranges observed in recent years include:
- Project/restorable BRATs: often in the low thousands, roughly $3,000–$8,000 depending on condition and location.
- Driver-quality examples: commonly in the mid-range, approximately $8,000–$15,000.
- Concours-quality or highly original examples: can exceed $20,000 and may reach higher in special cases with strong provenance.
Prices fluctuate with market demand, geographic region, and the specifics of each car. Always consult current listings and recent auction results for up-to-date comparisons.
Summary
The Subaru BRAT’s rarity is real but contextual: a limited production run, distinctive features, and aging hardware combine to make surviving units uncommon. For collectors and dedicated Subaru fans, a well-preserved BRAT can be a standout centerpiece, while casual buyers should be prepared for restoration work and a narrower pool of similar vehicles. In the current market, rarity translates to heightened interest and potential investment value for the right example.
Which Subaru is the rarest?
The 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI is among the rarest with only 400 units produced.
How many Subaru BRATs were made?
Designed by Subaru's Design Team, this iconic vehicle boasts a 1.8L flat- four cylinder engine, producing 80 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. With over 92,000 BRAT models produced between 1978 and 1987, and 12,000+ units in 1986, this model is relatively rare.
How rare are Subaru BRATs?
How many Subaru BRATs were made? Records indicate that there were about 100k Subaru BRAT pickup trucklets sold in the US. Most of them became work trucks and, unfortunately, have since been left to waste away in junkyards or backyards. Finding a nice example to take home is a difficult task.
Is the 2025 Subaru BRAT real?
The 2025. Brat is all about performance and versatility. It's powered by Subaru's latest 2.4 L turbocharged boxer engine delivering an impressive 260 horsepower. And 277 lbft of torque.
