The New BRAT
You may know the BRAT as the Brumby. The Brumby is Australia’s version of the American BRAT. Also known as the MV 284 in the UK.
The design for the new Subaru BRAT is basically the same as the old Subaru BRAT. I first got the wagon version of the WRX and cut the back windows out. Reshaped the bit behind the window. Made the door longer. Put that safety rollbar lump that the old BRATs got in the roof. Lengthened the tray backwards. Made sure the shadow and background looks real. Shaped the tray to the right size and look. I also had to increase the length of the hole photo.
The original Subaru BRAT. I used this shot to style the new version I have created. It helped to get all the curves and features the old BRAT had.
This is the wagon I used. I think its a WRX STi, But I am not sure. I thought it would be a great car to base the New BRAT on. I just love that blue.
Here’s the beast. The new, awesome, beast. The Subaru BRAT!!! Its been 29 years since the first ever Subaru BRAT hit the roads. I think it would make an awesome 30th anniversary BRAT.
Now, Mykeys Toy on the USMB said it needed lift. So, I kinda done a quick patch up job. Doesn’t look real, but it’s sweet all the same! I had to cut the fenders for this one.
This is what I think is Subaru’s attempt at the new BRAT. I think convenience got in there way with it. The BRAT was a fun car, not a motorbike carrying ute. The Subaru BRAT is simply the best looking offroading vehicle. The Subaru Baja, the yellow one on the just above, is just not cutting it for us die hard BRAT fans!
I bought my first Subaru back in 2005, it was a 89 Brumby, flair red. I lifted it, fitted Kumho 27″ MT’s. After a while I swapped the dual carb EA81 it had with an EJ22 bolted on a custom gearbox which used EJ D/R casing, EA82 5sp low range and an RX centre locking diff. Once I sold the Brumby I got a 83 Leone. Converted it to 4WD, put the Kumho’s on it, added a 5sp and drove it like I stole it. I then upgraded to a 99 Outback. It was hail damaged so I repaired it myself. I fitted it out with some storage and a mattress. I now have a 87 Brumby that I’ve resprayed with two pack urethane in Waratah Red. I am planning to fit an EJ with PT gearbox and a little bit of lift. It’s another project in progress.
Phizinza – who has written 50 posts on Offroading Subarus.