Electric Cars

Experience the Charm of Subaru's Pioneering Microvan Era

Subaru's Humble Beginnings in the U.S. Market

Subaru's journey into the American automotive landscape began in 1968, largely spearheaded by the visionary entrepreneur Malcom Bricklin. He was instrumental in importing the distinctive 360 sedan, celebrated for its remarkable fuel efficiency and its ability to navigate import regulations with ease. Beyond the sedan, Subaru also produced a van variant of the 360, known as the Sambar, a selection of which also made their way to the American shores.

A Glimpse of the Past: The 1969 Sambar Microvan

A shining example of these early imports, a 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 microvan, has recently captured attention on Bring a Trailer. This particular model stands out with its striking metallic lime exterior, a color that commands notice. Far from being an aggressive vehicle, its compact and cheerful appearance has earned it an endearing nickname: "little happy face." This vibrant van represents a bygone era of automotive design, where functionality met whimsical aesthetics.

The Interior: Simplicity Meets Practicality

The distinctive green theme extends into the Sambar's interior, where green fabric accents complement the vinyl seating. The cabin features a minimalist design, with an aesthetic that harmonizes with its exterior. Despite its diminutive length, measuring less than ten feet, the Sambar offers a surprisingly generous cargo area. While perhaps not suited for heavy loads, its spaciousness could perfectly accommodate lighter, bulkier items, making it an ideal choice for unique delivery needs, such as helium balloons.

Engine Performance and Unique Features

Powering this microvan is a rear-mounted two-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 356cc, generating a modest yet adequate 25 horsepower. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Although the exact mileage remains unconfirmed, the odometer indicates approximately 32,000 miles. A notable aspect of this Sambar is its left-hand-drive configuration, a rare find for Japanese kei cars, which typically cater to their domestic right-hand-drive market. This feature enhances its appeal to North American collectors, eliminating the common challenge of adjusting to right-hand driving in a low-power vehicle where overtaking is a less frequent maneuver.

Collector's Appeal and Auction Details

This remarkable Subaru is not merely a vehicle; it's a piece of automotive history, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors seeking something fun and out of the ordinary. Its distinctiveness and vintage charm are set to attract considerable interest. The auction for this unique 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 concludes on August 13, offering a rare opportunity to own a significant part of Subaru's heritage.

For automotive aficionados with a passion for timepieces, the world often presents two extremes: either prohibitively expensive luxury watches with subtle nods to racing heritage, or generic, uninspired designs. However, a delightful middle ground has emerged from Japan, offering enthusiasts the chance to sport their automotive pride on their wrists without a lavish investment. A new wave of reasonably priced, car-themed watches celebrates beloved vehicles like the Mazda RX-7, the Honda Prelude, and even the quirky Honda Motocompo scooter, providing intricate designs and a palpable sense of specialness.

These recent releases showcase how Japanese watchmakers are democratizing auto-inspired horology. By drawing from popular culture, such as the iconic 'Initial D' anime, and reissuing vintage designs, brands like Seiko and Citizen are delivering unique pieces that resonate deeply with car lovers. Each watch is crafted with attention to detail, incorporating elements that directly reference the vehicles they honor, making them much more than mere accessories—they are wearable tributes to automotive history and culture.

The "Initial D" Seiko Chronograph: A Nod to Japanese Sports Car Legends

Seiko has recently unveiled a chronograph that captures the essence of the revered 'Initial D' anime series, a show celebrated for its portrayal of Japanese sports cars. While the series famously features a Toyota Corolla as its main vehicle, it also highlights other legendary machines, including the Mazda RX-7 twin-turbo. This new Seiko watch draws direct inspiration from Keisuke Takahashi's iconic yellow RX-7, embodying the car's spirited and somewhat unpredictable nature, cherished by countless fans for its sharp handling and unique driving experience.

This striking timepiece features a vibrant yellow dial, a direct visual link to Takahashi's RX-7. Subtle yet significant details abound, such as the subdials meticulously matched in color to the car's actual instrument panel, showcasing an impressive level of dedication to the theme. Scheduled for release early next year, this limited-edition watch will see only 1995 units produced, commemorating the year 'Initial D' first debuted in print. Priced accessibly at approximately $420, it offers fans a unique and stylish homage to a classic automotive icon, making it a highly anticipated collector's item.

Honda-Inspired Timepieces: From Prelude Reissues to Motocompo Tributes

In response to the mixed reactions surrounding Honda's revival of the Prelude nameplate, Citizen has delighted enthusiasts by reintroducing its original 1980s Prelude-themed watch. This piece, officially named the Citizen x Honda Ana-Digi Temp, boasts a distinctly retro '80s aesthetic. It incorporates an integrated digital thermometer, ingeniously designed with a sensor that mimics the grille pattern of the new Prelude. While its twin subdials might offer less conventional time-telling, the overall design exudes a captivating synthwave vibe. This watch, already launched in Japan for around $290, has created a buzz, leading enthusiasts to search for it on reseller platforms like eBay.

Adding to the Honda-themed collection, Seiko has also released a special edition of its compact Seiko 5 watch, paying homage to the legendary Motocompo folding scooter. Famed as a pioneering automotive accessory, the Motocompo was designed to neatly stow away in the trunk of a Honda City hatchback, providing convenient last-mile transportation. Despite its limited commercial success at launch, the scooter has cultivated a devoted following over the years. The Seiko 5 Motocompo edition features a bright yellow dial and a scooter silhouette engraved on its case back, echoing the scooter's distinctive style. Its packaging is particularly noteworthy, designed to resemble the original Motocompo's shipping crate, adding an extra layer of nostalgic charm. This watch is set to launch next month, with an anticipated price point of approximately $460.