Subaru Sambar Subaru Sambar (first generation)
Subaru Sambar (Subaru Sambar (first generation)) was built from 1961 to 1966. Powertrain: 356 cc EK31 two-stroke I2. Layout: RR layout. Size: 2,990 x 1,300 x 1,520 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 470 kg (Van); 395 kg (Pickup truck).
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
Introduced at the 1960 Tokyo Motor Show in passenger and commercial versions, the Sambar featured 4-wheel independent suspension, a rear engine, rear drive layout — and a one-box body configuration based on the Subaru 360 platform and inspired by the 1957 Fiat 600 Multipla. The chassis uses a ladder frame construction, with a rear torsion bar trailing arm suspension. The reverse gearshift position was a left-pattern selection, instead of a right-pattern selection, and the EK series engine could be accessed via a hatch inside the vehicle. Maximum power from the two-stroke twin was 18 PS. As with the Subaru 360, front doors were rear-hinged.
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 pickup / truck models in this database (50 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 205 mm below the median of 3,195 mm, and shorter than 97% of the 37 other pickup / truck models in this database.
- 95 mm below the median of 1,395 mm, and narrower than 61% of the 38 other pickup / truck models in this database.
- 103 mm below the median of 1,623 mm, and lower than 94% of the 18 other pickup / truck models in this database.
- 215 mm below the median of 1,885 mm, and shorter than 100% of the 32 other pickup / truck models in this database.
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 Sambar
- Subaru Sambar (second generation) · 1966-1973
- Subaru Sambar (third generation) · 1973-1982
- Subaru Sambar (fourth generation) · 1982-1990
- Subaru Sambar (fifth generation) · 1990-1999
- Subaru Sambar (sixth generation) · 1999- 2012; 1999- 2009 (Subaru Dias Wagon)
More from Subaru · all Subaru models
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- Lucra (L455F/465F) · 2010 - 2015
- Pleo · 2010-2018
- ディアスワゴン (2nd generation (S321N/331N)) · 2009 - 2020
- Stella · 2006-2023; 2025-present
Can I import a Subaru Sambar (Subaru Sambar (first generation)) from Japan?
By production year alone, Subaru Sambar (Subaru Sambar (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 Sambar (Subaru Sambar (first generation))?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 356 cc EK31 two-stroke I2.
How big is the Subaru Sambar (Subaru Sambar (first generation))?
2,990 mm long and 1,300 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall, on a 1,670 mm wheelbase. 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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