Ronald Reagan: A Subaru Test Driver?

It's true! He was in a way. This article from Jalopnik shows an interesting perspective on the early Subaru BRAT. It turns out when Reagan was the Governor of California he had one of these funky old Subarus at his ranch. According to Richard V. Allen (Reagan's short-term national security adviser), Reagan loved the car, but as it was unwise to be seen driving a Japanese-manufactured vehicle at the time - you'll never find a picture of him in it.

According to the article, Reagan was granted a BRAT on the terms that he would send reports back to Subaru every six months on the BRAT's performance. So technically, he was a test driver of sorts.



It seems amazing that just over 30 years ago Americans (especially Vermonters!) were boycotting Subarus. Allen says in the article that "members of Congress were putting Japanese cars on the steps of the Capitol and smashing them with sledgehammers."

At least we know today that we can keep our beloved Subarus safe, and we know they'll return the favor.

Check out the full article, How Ronald Reagan Became a Secret Subaru Test Driver.


All information for this post including photo, courtesy of jalopnik.com