Subaru Sambar
| Subaru Sambar | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Fuji Heavy Industries |
| Production | 1961–2012 (Fuji Heavy Industries) 2012-current (Toyota) |
| Assembly | Otakita Plant, Ōta, Gunma Prefecture, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class |
kei truck microvan |
| Subaru Sambar (first generation) | |
|---|---|
The first generation (1961–1966)
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1961-1966 |
| Designer | Shinroku Momose |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Subaru 360 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 356cc EK31 18 PS (13.2 kW; 17.8 bhp) |
| Transmission | 3-speed Manual transmission |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,670 mm (65.7 in) |
| Length | 2,990 mm (117.7 in) |
| Width | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
| Height | 1,520 mm (59.8 in) |
| Curb weight |
470 kg (1,040 lb) (Van) |
| Subaru Sambar (second generation) | |
|---|---|
The second generation early version (1966–1973)
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1966–1973 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related |
Subaru 360 Subaru R-2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 356cc EK31 25 PS (18 kW; 25 bhp) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Length | 2,995 mm (117.9 in) |
| Width | 1,295 mm (51.0 in) |
| Height | 1,535–1,545 mm (60.4–60.8 in) |
| Curb weight |
535 kg (1,179 lb) (Van) |
| Subaru Sambar (third generation) | |
|---|---|
1981 Subaru 600 (export version)
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1973-1982 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Subaru Rex |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 356cc EK31 25 PS (18 kW; 25 bhp) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,805–1,820 mm (71.1–71.7 in) |
| Length | 3,195 mm (125.8 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,850–1,885 mm (72.8–74.2 in) |
| Subaru Sambar (fourth generation) | |
|---|---|
1981 Subaru Sambar (700 in some countries)
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1982–1990 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Subaru Rex |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 544cc EK23 28 PS (21 kW; 28 bhp) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,805 mm (71.1 in) |
| Length | 3,195 mm (125.8 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,650–1,900 mm (65.0–74.8 in) |
| Subaru Sambar (fifth generation) | |
|---|---|
Subaru Sambar
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1990–1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Subaru Vivio |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,885 mm (74.2 in) |
| Length | 3,295 mm (129.7 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,760–1,895 mm (69.3–74.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 680–990 kg (1,499.1–2,182.6 lb) |
| Subaru Sambar (sixth generation) | |
|---|---|
2001 Subaru Sambar
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Production | 1998–2012 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei truck |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Related | Subaru Pleo |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,885 mm (74.2 in) |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,815–1,905 mm (71.5–75.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 730–1,010 kg (1,609.4–2,226.7 lb) |
The Subaru Sambar is a very small vehicle manufactured by Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, specifically for the Japanese market. It is Japan's first Keitora (軽トラ), shorthand for "kei class truck" and is still in production. The Sambar is available in both microvan and Kei truck (Pickup truck style) to fulfill the Kei car guidelines. Still popular in the domestic market, the Sambar continues to be produced in Japan, China, Korea, as well as in Finland with a joint venture with Elcat Automotive.
Since its introduction in 1961, the Sambar has used a rear engine, rear wheel drive format (with optional 4WD from 1980 on), with the first two generations using the air-cooled engine from the Subaru 360, and later generations using the water-cooled engine from the Subaru Rex, Vivio and the Pleo.
Until 2012 the Sambar model was still using the Sixth Generation chassis and body with updated fascia. It was the first Kei truck that used a cabover design, with the passenger cabin over the engine. The current generation is a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Hijet/Atrai.
The name Sambar is very similar to the top trim package for the Volkswagen Type 2 called the Samba introduced in 1951, which also used an air-cooled engine installed in the back, utilizing rear-wheel-drive.
470 kg (1,040 lb) (Van)
From the very beginning in 1961, the Sambar uses 4-wheel independent suspension and a rear engine rear drive powertrain that helps keep the vehicles weight balanced. Inspired by one of the first microvans, the 1957 Fiat 600 Multipla, it was based on the Subaru 360 platform and it was introduced at the 1960 Tokyo Motor Show in both private purchase and commercial versions. The Chassis uses a ladder frame construction, using a torsion bar trailing arm suspension in the back, and the bodystyle is commonly referred to as "one-box". The reverse gearshift position was a left pattern selection, instead of a right pattern selection. The engine, called the EK series, was accessed from an access hatch inside the vehicle. The front doors opened in the same fashion as the 360, meaning the doors opened backwards, with the rear passenger doors opening conventionally, causing the hinges for all doors to be centrally located, with a rear hatch in back. Bunk beds could be installed as an option for outdoor camping use.
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