5k: Chicken Tax Evader: 1986 Subaru BRAT
In 1977 Subaru introduced an El Camino version of its Leone family sedan and called it the Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter or BRAT. The BRAT featured a set of rear facing plastic jump seats to avoid the so called Chicken Tax, which is actually a US Tariff on light trucks that originally started when France and Germany levied a tax on US Chicken exports, but that is a story for another time. Find this 1986 Subaru BRAT for sale in York, SC currently bidding on ebay for $2,025 reserve-not-met with 5 days to go. Big thanks to tip from Andy L.
This BRAT is equipped with all-wheel-drive and a 4-speed manual transmission for the ultimate sporty BRAT experience…which will be about a sporty as driving a FedEx truck.
The BRAT is powered by a 1.8 liter inline-4 cylinder EA series Subaru engine, which should put out about 73 horsepower and 94 ft-lbs of torque.
The inside of this BRAT is so clean and minty that it makes us want to shout: “You think I got where I am today because I
dressed like Peter Pan over here? Take a look at what I’m wearing, people. You think anybody wants a
roundhouse kick to the face while I’m wearing these bad boys? Forget
about it. Last off, my students will learn about self respect. You think
anybody thinks I’m a failure because I go home to Starla at night?
Forget about it! ”
Finally the plastic buckets with joystick grips bring back memories of watching idiots ride in the back of these in the days before “click it or ticket” campaigns blanked the nation and per tipper Andy: “A major plus are the factory rearward-facing jump-seats with grab
handles. Of course, the big draw here is that passengers in the bed can
booze-cruise in comfort without getting the driver an open-container
charge. They can even toast the jealous passengers in the trailing cars
at each stoplight.” Cheers!
See a better booze-cruiser? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Wow, survivor 2nd-gen BART, nice color combo, low miles. Wonder what the reserve is? Working AC even…
Too bad about that "custom" shifter grip and the hacked up dash around the stereo. Seats and carpet condition would corroborate low mile claim, but driver's seat back bolster is duct taped, but that one panel could be replaced by a good upholstery shop.
Spare wheel looks freshly repainted, and tire looks non-stock for an '80s spare. Freemasons badge on tailgate?
Tempting little AWD fun machine.
I have a 1986 gl hatchback that is built on the same platform as the brat. The 4×4 option cars that came with a manual trans always meant a 4 speed. They have a real transfer case with 2 HI / 4 HIGH and of course 4 LOW that operates with a lever by the shifter. This does make them a true "four wheel drive" unlike the all wheel drive Subies that were built '94 & up. I'm sure lots of us here know this and if you didn't and you care at all then you have learned something. They will go just about anywhere, get great gas mileage and almost always attract smiles, questions and positive reactions by people of all ages.
Oh, and the spare tire and wheel combo looks just like mine which has never been used and resides atop a flat four that loves to pull steep dirt roads in 4/low at just abt any RPM that will keep the wheels turning
I don't understand the bidding thing–what are you asking for the car? I am looking for a 4wd Brat w/ air conditioning–"costaricariver[at]yahoo.com"