1978 Subaru Brat

The Brat is the most lovably weird truck ever sold. Subaru built it to exploit a tariff loophole — trucks had a 25% import duty, but passenger vehicles only 2.5%. Solution: put rear-facing plastic seats in the bed, call it a passenger car. It worked. The result was a funky, capable little truck that could go places bigger rigs couldn't. The Brat became a cult classic for people who wanted utility without the bulk, and a 4WD system that actually worked in mud and snow.

Brats rust. They rust everywhere. The unibody construction means rust is structural, not just cosmetic. Survivors are rare because so many have returned to the earth. A Brat with honest patina — surface rust, faded paint, well-worn bed — has enormous character. These trucks were meant to be used, and the ones still running show their history.

Parts availability is getting tighter as these cars age out. The EA71 engine is simple and rebuildable, but NOS body panels are essentially nonexistent. The Subaru community is passionate and helpful, but you'll be hunting for parts. The 4WD system is robust and still works well after 40+ years if maintained. Daily driver? Possible if you have another car for bad weather (the rust risk is real).