In 1958, Subaru launched the Subaru 360, a car that helped introduce the idea of a personal vehicle in Japan and became an important part of the country’s automotive history.

Developed by engineers with backgrounds in aircraft design, the Subaru 360 featured a compact body with a rear-mounted 356 cc air-cooled two-stroke engine. It weighed just 385 kg and reached a top speed of around 83 km/h. Affordable and practical, it became known by the nickname “Ladybug” and remained Japan’s best-selling kei car for nearly a decade.

In 1969, Subaru released the Young SS, a sport-oriented version fitted with the more powerful 36 hp EK32 engine. It came with an 8,000 rpm tachometer, headlight covers, hood stripes, and dual exhaust pipes. With a top speed of 120 km/h, it stood out as a sportier and more dynamic variant, though production lasted for only about ten months before the Subaru 360 line was discontinued in August 1969.

This particular example retains a highly original interior and engine bay, and has been fully restored. Previously painted yellow, traces of what appeared to be the original white paint were found, leading to a respray in an authentic white-and-black two-tone finish. The mechanical components were also refurbished, resulting in a clean and well-maintained overall condition.