1990 SUBARU 284 'BRAT' 1800 4WD

KEY FACTS

• A one-owner example of the lesser-seen pickup, which remains highly original and with extremely low mileage.
• Subaru’s ‘BRAT’ pickup (which stood for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter), which was marketed as the 284 model in the UK, was an overnight success that paved the way for the brand’s popularity with owners in rural areas.
• It is powered by the 1.8-litre EA-81 flat-four, producing around 80bhp, coupled to the four-speed manual transmission with four-wheel drive.
• A remarkably comprehensive stamped service history is on file.
• Owned and cherished by a Major J.F. Hibbert for just over 30 years, the Subaru is now offered for sale by the trade.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The BRAT offered a purposeful and well-thought-out alternative to larger pickups, but was still capable of serious off-roading thanks to its punchy 1.8-litre engine and dual-range transfer case.
• Effectively a scaled-down Japanese version of the likes of the El Camino and Ranchero, the compact truck was initially developed with the US market in mind, and found a huge number of buyers – including President Ronald Reagan, who owned one for 20 years on his ranch in California.
• This particular car features its original colour scheme of blue paintwork with exterior graphics and a grey vinyl and houndstooth cloth interior.
• It is equipped with rear mudflaps, a tow ball and electric hook-up, plus an under-bonnet spare wheel.
• Its original owner’s manuals and service book will be included, along with four keys.
• Original supplying dealer stickers are still present, as is the front number plate.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• The exterior panels have been resprayed in the original blue to a good standard.
• The load bay has been purposefully left unrestored, so does have scuffs and scrapes in the finish from light utility duties.
• All four 13-inch wheels have been refurbished are in great shape, shod in new Vredestein Snowtrac 5 tyres.
• Inside, there is barely any wear to speak of on the grey vinyl and houndstooth cloth upholstery. It is in fantastic condition for 31-year-old trim,
• There are very slight marks on the stalk controls, but overall this Subaru looks every inch the low-mileage well-preserve classic.
• The original stereo is fitted but has been disconnected.
• The most recent MOT test was on 7 April 2021 at 38,056 miles, which was a clean pass with no advisories or defects.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its most recent service was in June 2021, which was performed in-house by the trade vendor.
• Routine winter checks and maintenance were performed in 2018, 2017 and 2015, with a comprehensive history stretching back prior to that all the way to the early 1990s.
• During the vendor’s ownership, the alternator, battery, brakes, brake hoses and rear exhaust have been replaced along with many other service items.

Dates and mileage:

• 14/12/1992 – 10,540 miles
• 29/11/1993 – 14,301 miles
• 16/12/1994 – 17,733 miles
• 16/02/1996 – 21,034 miles
• 23/01/1997 – 23,196 miles
• 24/02/1998 – 25,985 miles
• 01/12/1999 – 28,125 miles
• 14/12/2000 – 29,660 miles
• 10/12/2004 – 32,956 miles
• 09/12/2005 – 34,086 miles
• 11/12/2006 – 35,323 miles
• 11/12/2007 – 36,337 miles
• 04/12/2008 – 36,581 miles
• 02/12/2009 – 37,026 miles
• 25/11/2010 – 37,256 miles
• 24/11/2011 – 37,519 miles
• 14/11/2012 – 37,735 miles
• 20/11/2013 – 37,840 miles
• 08/12/2014 – 37,876 miles
• 16/11/2015 – 37,885 miles
• 04/01/2017 – Mileage not recorded
• 31/07/2018 – Mileage not recorded

SUMMARY

This Subaru 284 ‘BRAT’ 1800 4WD is a rare all-terrain pickup truck, with extremely low mileage and boasting just a single private keeper from new. In its original specification, benefiting from a good quality exterior respray, and fresh from a recent service; it would likely prove a robust and reliable utility car or a superb modern classic to add to an esoteric collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.