1985 Subaru BRAT for Sale – Dark Blue and Silver Dual-Range Four-Speed 4x4
The 1985 Subaru BRAT combines compact pickup utility, distinctive Japanese styling, boxer-engine character, and genuine dual-range four-wheel-drive capability in one of Subaru’s most recognizable enthusiast vehicles. Finished in dark blue and silver over blue and white upholstery, this privately offered example presents a highly appealing period specification that emphasizes its upright cabin, practical cargo bed, contrasting lower bodywork, and unusual rear seating arrangement. Its 1.8-liter flat-four, four-speed manual transaxle, dual-range transfer case, 390mm Cromodora wheels, front disc brakes, removable glass roof panels, bed-mounted rear seats, air conditioning, and cassette stereo create a remarkably complete package. For collectors seeking mechanical simplicity, unconventional design, and authentic early Subaru utility character, this BRAT offers considerable appeal.
View the official listing below.
1985 Subaru BRAT for sale
Engine and Performance
The naturally aspirated 1.8-liter gasoline flat-four gives the 1985 Subaru BRAT smooth low-speed response, modest but usable torque, and the characteristic mechanical rhythm associated with Subaru’s horizontally opposed engines. Its compact architecture supports accessible maintenance, balanced packaging, and relaxed progress rather than outright speed, making the vehicle well suited to rural roads, local hauling, and recreational use. A four-speed manual transaxle keeps the driver closely involved through deliberate gear selection and allows the available power to be managed effectively across changing gradients and surfaces. Combined with the dual-range transfer case, the drivetrain offers conventional road gearing together with a lower range for loose terrain, steep approaches, and carefully managed off-road travel.
Engineering and Specifications
Front disc brakes and rear drums provide a durable period braking arrangement, with the front calipers and rear wheel cylinders reportedly rebuilt during the refurbishment project. The brake master cylinder, steering rack, wheel bearings, ball joints, rear shock absorbers, and additional chassis components were also replaced, giving meaningful depth to the mechanical work described. Peugeot-specification 390mm Cromodora wheels wear 190/65 Michelin TRX tires carrying 2010 production date codes, so tire age should be considered before regular road use.
Design and Heritage
The body combines a compact two-door cabin, short front overhang, broad glass area, open cargo bed, contrasting lower paint, and integrated rear jump seats in a silhouette unlike conventional pickups. Dark blue and silver paint reinforces the period appearance, while Cromodora wheels, black trim, rectangular lighting, pop-up glass roof panels, and simple exterior graphics create genuine 1980s visual character. Inside, blue and white upholstery, straightforward analog instruments, air conditioning, a push-button AM/FM/cassette stereo, and uncomplicated controls form a functional cabin with considerable nostalgic appeal.
Driving Experience
From behind the wheel, the 1985 Subaru BRAT should feel compact, mechanical, and easy to position, with the four-speed gearbox encouraging smooth shifts and thoughtful preservation of momentum. The boxer engine, dual-range four-wheel drive, narrow body, refreshed steering components, front disc brakes, and relatively light construction support predictable progress on pavement, gravel, and moderate trails. On rural roads, campground approaches, collector outings, or relaxed weekend journeys, the Subaru promises excellent visibility, approachable controls, and an engaging connection to early Japanese all-wheel-drive engineering.
Why This Truck is Special
- Air-cooled-style boxer character from a 1.8-liter flat-four engine
- Four-speed manual transaxle with dual-range four-wheel drive
- Dark blue and silver paint with blue and white upholstery
- Pop-up glass roof panels and bed-mounted rear jump seats
- Cromodora wheels, air conditioning, and refurbishment photographs
Specifications
- Year: 1985
- Model: Subaru BRAT
- Engine: Naturally aspirated 1.8-liter gasoline flat-four
- Transmission: Four-speed manual with dual-range transfer case
- Condition: Good condition, privately offered compact 4x4 pickup
Collector and Enthusiast Appeal
The 1985 Subaru BRAT appeals to enthusiasts because it combines unusual styling, boxer-engine simplicity, selectable four-wheel drive, compact dimensions, and one of the most distinctive cargo-bed configurations of its era. Its two-tone finish, blue and white cabin, flat-four engine, manual transaxle, dual-range system, Cromodora wheels, Michelin TRX tires, refreshed brakes, steering rack, wheel bearings, ball joints, rear shocks, glass roof panels, jump seats, air conditioning, cassette stereo, and refurbishment photographs provide meaningful specification depth. Rather than functioning solely as a novelty, this example offers credible potential for shows, club events, light-duty utility, recreational driving, and relaxed collector ownership.
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The 1985 Subaru BRAT combines distinctive two-tone styling, boxer-engine character, manual four-wheel-drive control, and unconventional utility in one memorable Japanese classic. It represents a compelling opportunity for collectors who value originality of concept, approachable engineering, and the enduring personality of Subaru’s most unusual pickup.