Cyclops, T-Tops, Jump Seats! 1982 Subaru BRAT
We’ve seen many examples of this unusual and cool little 4×4 by Subaru in the past, and some features are often asked about. Well, this one has them all. Disclaimer: the BRAT here doesn’t have actual t-tops, but flip-up or removable skylight panels for each side. This 1982 Subaru BRAT 4×4 is posted here on craigslist in Spokane, Washington and the seller is asking $2,999. This is a steal for a loaded BRAT! Here is the original listing, and thanks to Henry R. for the tip!
My personal favorite feature of this era of the BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) is the third “passing light” in the center of the grille. Known as the Cyclops light, it’s a very cool feature. It’s probably best for off-road use, but in the era of super-bright LED headlights, what the hell, just use it, who cares. The front bumper looks like it’s parallel parked in Hoboken on more than one occasion, but you can probably source a nice one to replace that clunked-up one.
Another fun feature is the retractable step in front of the left rear wheel. You’ve noticed that this BRAT also has a topper or cap on the back. It’s a very nice option but takes away some of the uniqueness of a Subaru pickup. You’ve also noticed various dings and dents and some rust. Sadly, the seller doesn’t give too many photos and they mention that it has “bad rust on the tailgate bed area spot only” but they don’t show a photo of it! What? Hey, it has brand-new tires, so there’s that.
More rust is visible here and even in Washington state, vehicles rust. Spokane is snow country and it’s very different from the Tacoma/Seattle area where rust is less of an issue. Cool, plaid interior fabrics and tan carpets are easy to fix, but this is the only interior photo so we don’t get to see if the dash is cracked (most are) or any other possible interior issues. Still, this thing is three grand and it’s a no-brainer at that price. Hagerty is at $5,200 for a #4 fair-condition BRAT so here’s your deal of the week on Barn Finds. We don’t know if it has AC so maybe it isn’t really “loaded”, but quirky features-wise, it’s loaded to the gills. This one also has Subaru’s “Hill-Holder” feature for the manual transmission to keep you from rolling back into the clown who’s just inches from your rear bumper at stop lights on steep hills.
Here’s the engine, looking suspiciously like a pair of rear jump seats. Yes, there are no engine photos so things are back to normal in the craigslist world. It should have Subaru’s EA-81, a 1.8-liter boxer-four with 71 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque when new. They say it runs great and has a new clutch, but needs a clutch cable, which is included. It sends power through a two-speed transfer case to the front wheels or all four. It’s unarguable that this BRAT is a steal at $3,000. Hagerty is at $13,300 for a #3 good one and $23,700 for a #2 excellent example. You can do a lot of work on this one for $10,000. Any thoughts on this loaded BRAT?
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Comments
Get you to the cabin on that slippery mountain road. 🏕
Has a life of service.
I owned a 1981 4WD station wagon with the “Passing Light.” It was essentially useless as it really added very little light. Curiously too, it was only available for a couple years, only on the 4WD and the upscale GL model as I recall. It was fun to activate and watch people’s funny looks.
Awesome looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like this Subaru BRAT. If only today’s Subaru cars were this nice. Today’s technology with yesterday’s utility and durability.
Had an auto parts store in Vail in the 80’s and took one of these in lieu of an overdue account, that unit was TERRIBLE in the snow! Way too light, try and turn and it would plow straight on and it was always getting hung up on snow banks. Fun summer car though!
Always loved the Brumby (what it’s called over here), but ours never had the jump seats.
I’ve owned 2 L wagons, (the wagon version of the Brat/Brumby), the first was an 82. It didn’t have a 2 speed transfer case, just a single speed, but it didn’t need it, best sand car, I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned Jeeps etc).
The 2nd was a 94 model with a dual range transfer case. I preferred the 82. Both were 5 speed manuals.
Absolutely love the Brumby.
Weren’t those funny rear seats a strategy to get around import duties on small trucks? I can just feel my internal organs rearranging themselves after the first pothole contact riding back there.