Subaru 360
The 'Ladybug' that motorised Japan and established Subaru's legacy.
- Power
- 16 bhp
- Top speed
- 51 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$27k
About the Subaru 360
The 360 was Subaru's first mass-produced car, designed to meet Japan's strict post-war Kei car regulations. Nicknamed the 'Ladybug' for its distinctive egg-shaped monocoque, it featured advanced weight-saving measures like a fibreglass roof and rear-hinged 'suicide' doors. While its two-stroke twin-cylinder engine offered modest performance, its affordability and efficiency made it a cultural icon in Japan. In the late 1960s, it was famously imported to the US by Malcolm Bricklin, where it gained notoriety for its tiny size and safety concerns.
Subaru 360 specs
The Subaru 360 produces 16 bhp (12 kW) and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 51 mph (82 km/h).
| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | 360 |
| Trim | 0.4 |
| Years | 1958–1971 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | Japan |
| Original price | About $1,300 when new |
| Engine | 356cc air-cooled 2-stroke parallel-twin |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 356 cc (0.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 16 bhp (12 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) |
| Top speed | 51 mph (82 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 385 kg (849 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 42 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Subaru 360 worth?
A typical Subaru 360 is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $27,000 (about £11,000 – £20,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Subaru 360 rarity in CarSpot
The Subaru 360 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Subaru 360 fun facts
- The Subaru 360 was nicknamed 'Tentomushi' (Ladybug) in Japan due to its rounded shape.
- Early US marketing by Malcolm Bricklin leaned into the car's oddity, famously advertising it as 'Cheap and Ugly'.
- The car's monocoque design was influenced by aircraft engineering from Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.