What is the old Subaru that looks like a beetle?
A tiny Subaru that resembles a Volkswagen Beetle is the Subaru 360, a microcar produced from 1958 to 1970. It’s the model most people mean when they ask about an old Subaru that looks like a Beetle.
More detail: The 360 was Subaru's early foray into the kei-car category, designed to be affordable, compact, and easy to maneuver in Japan’s dense urban streets. Its rounded, bubble-like body earned frequent comparisons to the Beetle, and it helped establish Subaru's reputation for practical, small cars. Although it never achieved broad mass-market reach in the United States, the 360 remains a cultural touchstone and a collectible among vintage-car enthusiasts.
Origins and design
In 1958, Fuji Heavy Industries introduced the 360 as a two-seat microcar designed to fit Japan's kei-car regulations. Its rounded, compact body contributed to a Beetle-like silhouette, making the 360 a recognizable image of Subaru’s early era. The car was powered by a small air-cooled engine and was marketed primarily in Japan, with limited export to select markets.
Key facts
These items summarize the essential specifications and context of the Subaru 360:
- Production years: 1958–1970
- Category: Kei car / microcar
- Engine: Small air-cooled unit around 356cc, two-cylinder
- Body style: Two-seat, bubble-shaped
- Legacy: Subaru's first mass-market car; now a collector item
In short, the Subaru 360's compact form, rounded silhouette, and pioneering role in Subaru's history explain why it's commonly remembered as the Beetle-like Subaru of its era.
Cultural footprint and modern interest
Today, surviving Subaru 360s are prized by collectors and vintage-car enthusiasts. They are showcased at car shows, preserved in museums, and restored by dedicated hobbyists who appreciate the model’s simplicity and historical significance. The 360’s charm lies not only in its appearance but also in its status as Subaru’s first bridge from niche kei-car beginnings to a broader global identity.
Summary
The Subaru 360 remains the iconic example of an old Subaru that looks like a Beetle: a small, rounded bubble car produced between 1958 and 1970. As Subaru’s early mass-market offering, it helped establish the brand’s reputation for practical, compact vehicles and continues to captivate collectors with its nostalgic, friendly silhouette.
