1970 Subaru 360
For Sale
2006.09.15–Belpre, Ohio. Bill Matheny spent a few minutes with me today giving me the lowdown on his vehicle. Bill says “everything works”. It is road legal and can be yours for $7,500. Contact Bill at 740 423-6913 if interested.
This car has suicide doors on both sides. The side windows and vent open. It has been a Hollywood car. It has been featured in several movies including most recently the Sopranos. Bill has a looseleaf book detailing it's history complete with photos of many of the stars who have been in it.
The front trunk has room for a full size spare tire, a 5.20x10" wheel. You might be able to squeeze in a bag of groceries as well. The entire car is protected by a total of three fuses. They would be very easy to get to.
Bill gives a look under the hood. This car sports a 360 cc two cycle motorcycle engine. Yes, that means you mix oil with the gas like you would for a chain saw, mower, or string trimmer. Of course it smokes a little when running, by design.
Here is a close up shot of the engine compartment. The wiki article above says that it got over 50 mpg.
An inside shot. The odometer shows a little over 17,000 miles. It has an auto clutch. As near as I could tell from Bill’s description was that it was a normal three speed transmission that you need to shift manually with a stick shift. However, the clutch is electronic and whenever you use the stick, the clutch is automatic. It also sports a manual choke and has heat inside.
After taking these pictures, Bill took me to his garage where he has a couple of other vehicles under wrap. He is restoring an old Fiat that will look great when he is done. It isn’t for sale yet but will be when he is done. He also has a King Midget. It will not be for sale as his grandfather gave it to Bill’s son.
DISCLAIMER: I’ve never met Bill before today and have no financial interest in this. I just thought it was an unusual car and figure that I’d help him spread the word about it. Sitting along the streets of Belpre doesn’t really give it the exposure I think it deserves.
