Car Spotlight: 1979 Subaru Brat
![]() |
Cars and Coffee is known for bringing out some of the most interesting, special cars. This month's Greater Lansing area Cars and Coffee was no exception. . |
![]() |
The BRAT was, oddly, never sold in Japan, but has since become a popular grey import. In the US, the BRAT was an interesting vehicle in the US. But, before I tell you why, I need to explain. In 1963, president Lyndon B Johnson imposed a 25% tariff on potato starch, dextrin, brandy and light commercial trucks in response to tariffs put in place by France and West Germany on the importation of U.S.-produced poultry. This was known as the Chicken Tax. Because the BRAT, being a pickup truck, was considered a commercial vehicle, to avoid having to pay the Chicken Tax, Subaru fit rear-facing jump seats. Essentially, just plastic shells mounted to a steel frame, making it, technically, a passenger car. . |
Comments
Post a Comment