Subaru Rex First generation
Subaru Rex (First generation) was built in 06.1972 09.1981, as a 2/4-door sedan; 3-door hatchback (Van/Wagon); 3-door hatchback (Swingback). Powertrain: 356 cc EK34 two-stroke I2; 358 cc EK21 I2; 490 cc EK22 I2; 544 cc EK23 I2. Layout: rear engine, rear drive. Size: 2,995 x 1,295 mm (L x W). Weight: 480 - 570 kg.
Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. The picture illustrates the body shape, not this car; a photograph is added when a licence-safe one exists.
Overview
The Rex (K21), introduced 15 July 1972, was the replacement for the Subaru R-2, which was itself the replacement for the long lived, but outdated Subaru 360. The R-2 was largely an interim model, a rebodied 360, originally including its air-cooled two-stroke engine. Accordingly, it lasted less than three years, whereas the 360 was marketed for 11 years and the rear-engined Rex for nine. The Subaru Rex represented a fresh design, sharing little of its appearance with the Subaru 360, although they were mechanically the same and shared a rear-engine layout. The Rex also retained the 360/R-2's rear swing axle. The Rex's styling resembled Subaru's new compact car, the Leone.
Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.
Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.
Against the other van / MPV models in this database (40 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 400 mm below the median of 3,395 mm, and shorter than 97% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
- 180 mm below the median of 1,475 mm, and narrower than 97% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
- 440 mm below the median of 2,360 mm, and shorter than 89% of the 38 other van / MPV models in this database.
Who it suits
- Families, groups and shuttle work: the people-carrier body is built around seating and access.
- Executive and chauffeur use: the saloon body prioritises rear-seat comfort and a quiet cabin.
- City and mixed driving: hatchbacks are compact outside and flexible inside.
Check before you buy
- Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
- Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
- Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
- Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator
General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.
Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
Other generations of the Rex
- Second generation · 1981-1986 ; 1991-2005 (China; under license)
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Can I import a Subaru Rex (First generation) from Japan?
By production year alone, Subaru Rex (First generation) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
What powers the Subaru Rex (First generation)?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 356 cc EK34 two-stroke I2; 358 cc EK21 I2; 490 cc EK22 I2; 544 cc EK23 I2.
How big is the Subaru Rex (First generation)?
2,995 mm long and 1,295 mm wide, on a 1,920 mm wheelbase (2/4-door sedan; 3-door hatchback (Van/Wagon); 3-door hatchback (Swingback)). For container loading, use the container packer.
Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.
- en.wikipedia.org (retrieved 2026-10-19)
Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.
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