Subaru Domingo - room for 6! - Terjes cars

I've seen them at car meets - along with Porsches and Corvettes. Who do you think gets the most attention?

Stands out from the crowd

Well, there are more Porsches and Corvettes than Subaru Domingos. But there is something more, which brings to mind cult cars such as the public transport bus, the Fiat 238 van and the Matra Rancho recreational vehicle. These are models with distinctive design and functional features - which stand out in the crowd. I have tried to find out what it is, - what makes the Subaru Domingo such a car.

Domingo in a nutshell

Subaru Domingo has several names, including Sumo, Sambar and Libero. Too bad that the brand name Libero has already been taken in Norway. The small car offers a lot of freedom in terms of space and flexibility. In Japan, a variant was produced without the large front bumper and with smaller engines. They then came under the size limits for so-called "Kei cars", which are cars with special advantages in Japan. Among other things, proof that the cars have a parking space is not required. The Subarus are approved for "only" 6 people in Norway, - while in other markets there is probably room for 7. If the physical area is not large, felt it's roomy inside the car. I have seen pictures where all the seats are folded down, so that the whole car is converted into one big bed. There are special versions with extendable camping roofs and large sunroofs. Many have created their own furnishing solutions. The Subaru can fit in everywhere in the city, and with switchable 4-wheel drive, it can make its way in slightly rough terrain, too.

Behind the wheel

Today there are 132 cars on plates in Norway. I have been allowed to take a closer look at the Subaru Ruben Sandnes. He owns several interesting cars, including one Coupe Deville which we have previously mentioned on Terje's cars. Ruben says that the little van was previously owned by a family member. It is over 20 years old, but still runs like clockwork. The small 3-cylinder 1,2 liter engine kicks off surprisingly well. In quiet traffic, you can fine-tune 1-3-5 to get up to speed. Since the engine is located at the very back under the load compartment, the sound into the cabin is quite muffled. The steering does not have servo, but it is not missing either on the approximately 1000 kilo heavy vehicle.

Not mainstream

The interior space is impressive when you consider that the car is barely 3,5 meters long. The special location of the engine helps to make use of all the floor space. The interior in general looks quite ordinary for Japanese cars of its time. The bodywork, however, is quite special. It can be described with words such as charming, functional and ugly-pretty. Corresponding cars with a more contemporary, mainstream appearance quickly become outdated over the years. Some "ugly ducklings", on the other hand, become cooler in their older days. It happened with Citroën 2CV, Citroën HY van, Renault 4. Cheap, small and tall, - with several small and ingenious solutions.

Missing engine compartment

The lid for topping up coolant is on the rear wall inside the rear door. On the other side, you can fill up washer fluid for the rear window. Windscreen washer fluid is filled in front, somewhere. Brake fluid is topped up under a cover on the dashboard. You can therefore top up brake fluid while driving (!). These special maintenance points are due to the fact that the car has no traditional engine compartment. By pulling out the rear bumper like a drawer, you gain access to check the oil and inspect simple things in the engine compartment. The engine is located horizontally under the luggage compartment. Larger tasks require a metal plate to be unscrewed. I imagine that certain tasks can be demanding to carry out, although Japs cars in this era generally need little attention.

Buy and own

We are unsure whether Subaru Norway brought in Domingos to Norway. Maybe it could be special ordered? Most of the cars on Norwegian plates are imported used. Many have been admitted after only one year. Maybe someone offered surplus cars from a warehouse in Europe? In any case, there are currently no Domingos for sale on Norwegian and Swedish used car exchanges. In Europe, prices range from NOK 10 - 000, depending on condition. Domingo is undoubtedly a future classic. The prices of good examples will probably fall until the cars are 100 years old. Those that survive the period of use will then increase in price - demand will probably rise first in central Europe. Parts currently do not seem to be a problem when it comes to engine and chassis parts. There is a growing interest in Japanese classics.

Facts about Subaru Domingo

Weights and Measures

Length, width, height: 353 / 142 / 199 cm
Wheelbase: 189 cm
Net weight without driver: 1020 kg
Max trailer weight with brakes: 700 kg
– without brakes: 400 kg
Max roof load: 70 kg

Technical

1,2 (EF12) 3-cylinder in line - mounted horizontally - rear mounted - rear wheel drive with switchable four wheel drive
Horsepower: 54
5-speed manual
McPherson front suspension (independent suspension)
Longitudinal semi-independent rear suspension