81MV

Sod's law, I could now use a couple of these; they'll need shipping to the UK. Who's still got any spares? Thanks Owain

OK - start posting photos of custom Hot Wheels BRATs! (I'm planning on doing a stock(ish) conversion myself). One other gripe I have with this model - why did HW go to the trouble of fashioning an authentic front bumper, end caps etc... then stick a generic skinny bar across the rear?

Like the wheels, godawful paint (colour & finish!)

Good luck with the sale. A sweet little ride that could be made to look seriously cool! :-)

Hi Folks I've bought a lot of NOS old Subaru parts here in the UK this Summer, including about 2 dozen of these, all brand new in box: As you can see, perched on top of an EA81 1800 air cleaner they're smaller, which got me wondering "which model is this for?" Surely all Gen 1 1600s had a circular air cleaner box? My February 1980 Subaru Parts Catalog provided the answer - this is specific to the GFT Hardtop. Anyone know why Subaru chose to give it a specific air cleaner? Was it for more power? These don't fit my MV (BRAT) or GLF as both are EA81 1800s, so is anyone interested in buying these either individually or by the case? Once I have an idea of the level of interest, I'll look into shipping costs! Cheers Owain

Hi folks I acquired this in July - it's my first Gen 2. I sold my Daihatsu F20 / Rocky / Taft to make room for it - it keeps things simple, having the same engine as my '81 Gen 1 MV / BRAT! I've always liked the hatchbacks, so it was nice to find this. It needs some welding on the rear arches and seatbelt mounts, plus the front wings were removed (the beneficiary? A BRAT!) The brown stuff you can see is the anti-rust treatment applied when it was new: I've been busy buying "new old" Gen 2 parts to help save this car; here's a genuine driver side wing, complete with 25 year's worth of dust, now almost impossible to get in the UK: In its new home, which it shares with a lot of parts! This won't be a speedy resto but I thought it's worth saving - I'm determined it will shine again once more! Plans include getting the wheels brilliant white again and fitting those cool 4WD stickers on the sides (I have red ones!) and single round headlamps to the front (got the full kit)

Such a good-looking car. Great colour, great wheels... Some of these came to the UK but I'd be surprised if there are any left (rust killed them off in double-quick time). MORE PHOTOS PLEASE! I'd better post some photos of my new GLF hatch project!

Great work! After all that hard work you'll be pleased to hear I don't have a NOS 4WD badge! (I do have 2 brand-new-in-packet grilles, and 2 centre badges still in their shrink-wrap, though)... Keep up the good work!

You're always welcome over here, brother It's amazing how much Gen 1 stuff I've found here in the UK recently - check out this load of metalwork I collected - from a former dealer - just last weekend!

It's a shame the world's such a big place... I have a NOS genuine Subaru screen still in its wrapping in my garage :-(

Hi OCD I'm following the story with interest from here in the UK... can't wait to see this one finished! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK :-) Owain

Hi OCD Apologies for the delay in responding (been on holiday). OK, I have located a pair of steels but the problem is shipping - I can't find a suitable way of getting them to the US. If you can find a way - let me know! p.s. the dealer is looking for £100 each but if you're serious I'll bash him over the head. Pattern ones are available in the UK at around half this amount.

Hi OCD I'll try to find out for you. They're at a former Subaru dealer I spoke to a few weeks ago. p.s. Yes, I supplied the lamp lenses!

I know a source with a brand-new pair of genuine Subaru wings here in the UK, but shipping will be a killer... but just in case you get really stuck!

Guys, thanks you one and all for your kind words! I'll take some photos of the interior and under-bonnet soon! Owain

A few random pics... hope you like 'em

Hi folks I got a great present for Christmas - a studio photo shoot for my Gen 1 MV / BRAT! Now, he's a fine looking fella but he's got a couple of parts missing that he needs for it to look like a brochure shoot. The Subaru part numbers are: 6910 11932 "SPLASH BOARD R RH" (rear "4WD" mudflap, right hand side as you look at the truck from the rear) 6920 56441 "MOULDING AY SD SILL" (this is the bright trim strip that fits along the sill under the door - it's the same both sides) Any help greatly appreciated! Cheers Owain

Tell me about the Datsun! And there I was, thinking you were Subaru through and through...

Thanks guys! Pete - thanks for posting the photos, was having trouble uploading! How's the wagon shaping up? That dashboard in yet? ;-)

Hi Folks What better way to spend a cold afternoon than staying inside in the warm and finally getting around to joining up? Mine is a red 1981 Gen 1 MV that I've owned for nearly 5 years, I'm the third owner, full history from new and 60k miles on the clock. Bodywork fully restored in 2009. Not a daily driver as it's only allowed out in the dry... Looking forward to getting to know you guys! Cheers Owain