Subaru BRAT: The Quirky Pickup

In this episode of Vintage Car Chronicles, we explore the Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter), a unique compact pickup with a personality as bold as its design. Launched in 1978, this four-wheel-drive utility vehicle featured quirky innovations like rear-facing jump seats in the cargo bed—an ingenious loophole to dodge the U.S. "chicken tax" on trucks. With a spare tire under the hood, optional T-top roofs, and rally-inspired flair, the BRAT became a cult favorite. From its roots as a Leone spin-off to its enduring legacy, discover how this quirky trucklet carved its place in automotive history.