Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT, (outside the United States known as the 284 in the United Kingdom, Brumby in Australia, and Shifter, MV, Targa or MPV in other markets), is a light duty, four-wheel drive coupé utility, sold from 1978 to 1994. It was an export-only model, never being officially sold in Japan. Due to this, the BRAT became a popular grey import vehicle in Japan.
Design
Developed in Japan in 1977 at the request of the President of Subaru of America, the BRAT was introduced to match the demand for small trucks in the USA,from Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. Unlike these trucks, all BRATs had four-wheel drive, being developed from the existing Leone station wagon.
It has other features such as an optional T-top split roof, a spring-loaded hidden door for a side step into the cargo bed, and a spare tire mounted under the hood. The spare tire necessitates an oval shaped air intake breather.
When the Leone was redesigned in 1979 for the 1980 model year the BRAT continued with the original body until 1982.
