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Subaru FF-1
The features of the 1971 Subaru FF-1 foreshadowed some of today’s Subaru equipment.

FF-1

The attic’s FF-1 is a 1971 model, featuring front-wheel drive and a 1,100-cc (66.4 cu. in.) horizontally opposed, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine. The carbureted engine produced 62 horsepower. With the FF-1, Subaru took a giant step toward today’s Subaru technology.

The Subaru FF-1 was an innovative automobile for the early 1970s. It had a long list of features that were unique or foreshadowed the types of equipment that are typical on today’s vehicles. Besides front-wheel drive, the FF-1’s chassis systems included rack-and-pinion steering, independent front and rear suspensions with torsion-bars and front drum brakes mounted inboard. The inboard mounting took weight off the wheels, allowing the tires to make better contact with rough roads for improved stability and control.

Also unique was the dual-radiator design of the engine cooling system. A smaller sub-radiator was used to help the engine warm up quicker when it was first started.

Subaru FF-1 1100 –
Selected Major Specifications and Performance

From the Subaru FF-1 1300G and Subaru FF-1 1100 Service Manual (Engine Section), Fuji Heavy Industries

Model
FF-1 1100 4 Door Sedan

Specifications
Vehicle weight (lb) 1,640
Number of passenger seats 4
Length (in) 154.7
Width (in) 58.3
Height (in) 54.7
Passenger compartment interior dimensions:
    Length (in) 67.0
    Width (in) 50.0
    Height (in) 44.3
Tread, front wheel (in) 48.2
Tread, rear wheel (in) 47.4
Wheelbase (in) 95.3
Tire size,
front and rear		 6.15-13-4PR
Minimum road clearance (in) 6.8

Performance
Maximum speed 90 mph
Minimum turning
circle		 32 ft
Brake capability 45 ft at 31 mph

Engine
Model EA61
Manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
Type Gasoline Engine
Cooling system Water
Number of cylinders and layout Four horizontally opposed
Stroke Four
Bore x Stroke 2.99 x 2.36 in
Piston displacement 66.4 cu in
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Maximum output 62 hp/6,000 rpm
Maximum torque 62.9 lb-ft/3,200 rpm

Transmission
Type 4-forward with synchromesh,
1-reverse

Steering System
Type Rack-and-pinion

Suspension
Type, Front Wishbone, independent
Type, Rear Full trailing arm, independent
Spring, Front and Rear Torsion bar spring

Body Construction
Monocoque body

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Subaru FF-1 Gallery
(Select image to view larger version.)

The FF-1 Service Manual and brochures from the ealy 1970s reveal an innovative bold step for Subaru

Details of the 1971 Subaru FF-1
More "Attic" Subaru vehicles can be found at A Peek in the "Attic" - Part Two; articles on vehicles in the Subaru performance "Attic" are listed at A Peek in the Performance Attic.