Once upon a time, a Subaru 360-based Sambar van was sold in the US market. This is the fifth generation, which was produced from 1990 to 1998 and was never sold here. The VW appearance it cute and all, but we’d prefer this just be a proud Subie. Surely nothing has been done that can’t be undone.
Although this is for sale in Canada, the seller claims it’s the rear-wheel drive version, not the all-wheel drive. So, it might be happier moving south. although we imagine the engine sits atop the drive wheels and makes this acceptable in slippery conditions.
The biggest downside here is the automatic trans; but this was never going to be a track car, anyway. We’d love to take this for a spin, what with the tiny, supercharged four cylinder and small overall package. This uses Subaru’s period Kei Car engine, but is not technically a Kei Car itself, presumably because of size and/or mass. Anyway, this is a cool little find and we wonder whether the reserve is more realistic than the buy-it-now price.
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Pickering, Ontario, Canada, Eh
$1,005 dollarettes with 13 bids, reserve not met, $13,985 BIN and two days to go
VW badge and paint scheme are clearly not original. We’d like to return it to Subaru glory (and that’s coming from a Vanagon owner).
Profile is about as compact and boxy as anything out there. Yes, that’s a glass roof, too!
Rear wiper and exposed exhaust tip are nice touches.
Yep, it’s officially cute.
Here’s the unfortunate automatic shifter and odd aftermarket wheel. We hope the flag comes with.
Seating for four -maybe five really skinny people?
And, yes, there’s cargo room behind the second row.
IS this a panoramic roof way ahead of its time, or a vista cruise roof way behind?
Ad text:
This unique eye catching RHD Subaru Sambar Dias is one you don’t want to miss. Featuring the VW front end conversion and a beautiful two tone paint scheme, this Dias is perfect for any collector or enthusiast.
Very fun to drive with it’s SuperCharger, plus lots of cargo space in a relatively small package if looking to use it as a right hand drive postal vehicle.
Great visibility with so many large windows makes backing into tight spaces a breeze!
Eligible for export to the USA.
Millage is in miles converted from KMs on the dash. In Kilometers It is approximately 94000.
Item specifics
Condition: Used
Seller Notes: “Looks and runs great.”
Year: 1990
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): KV3023410
Mileage: 54,409
Drive Type: RWD
Make: Subaru
Model: Sambar
Sub Model: Supercharged
Trim: 4 door
Exterior Color: white and yellow
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 660cc SuperCharged! ( KW / BHP )
Interior Color: grey