page_title: Subaru Rex
section_title: 550 cc era
hierarchical_section_title: Subaru Rex / First generation / 550 cc era
caption_attribution_description: Unusual (at least unusual in Europe) Subaru Rex Kei car. This was labelled Subaru 500 or 600 in export, depending on whether a 490 or 544&#160;cc engine was fitted.
context_page_description: The Subaru Rex, also known as Ace, Viki, Sherpa, 500/600/700, Mini Jumbo or M60/M70/M80 in various export markets, is a kei class automobile produced from 1972 to 1992 mainly for sale in Japan by Subaru, although it was also sold in Europe, South America, Australia and the Caribbean. The Rex superseded the R-2 as Subaru's kei car, and has been available in commercial use versions as well as in a passenger car version. It underwent major changes in 1976, in fall 1981, and again in late 1986. The second generation Rex also formed the basis for the larger Subaru Justy.
  The name "Rex" comes from the Latin word for "king". In some export markets, the Sambar microvan has been marketed as the "Rex Combi".
context_section_description: In response to new regulations for Kei cars introduced for 1976, Subaru introduced the larger-engined Rex 5 in May of that year. It retained the earlier bodywork (albeit broadened by 10 cm and with a lengthened bonnet for an overall length of 3,185 mm or 125.4 in) but got a 490 cc version of the same engine. The Rex 5 (K23, K43 in the Van version) engine was still of two cylinders and an overhead cam design, and retained the SEEC-T emissions control system. Power increased from the emissions choked late 360s to 31 PS (23 kW) at 6500 rpm, while torque increased to 3.8 kg⋅m (37 N⋅m; 27 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm. The AIG version was dropped. The Van version received a 28 PS (21 kW) engine (at 6000 rpm) with the same torque, albeit at 500 rpm lower. Van equipment levels were Standard and Super Deluxe. This version (called the Subaru 500 in the export) was short-lived, replaced by the bigger Rex 550 exactly one year after being introduced.
  The Rex 550, introduced in May 1977, featured the SEEC-T equipped watercooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke 544 cc EK23 series engine. Chassis code was K24, It remained rear-mounted, coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. Max power remained 31 PS (23 kW) at a slightly lower 6200 rpm and torque was 4.2 kg⋅m (41 N⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm. A comparatively well-equipped Custom L version of the Van (K44) was added. As usual, the Vans received a lower powered version of the engine, with 28 PS (21 kW) at 6000 rpm but the same exact torque figures. The Van could take a max load of only 200 kg (440 lb), 100 kg less than most of its competitors. This was counteracted by the comparatively high level of passenger comfort in the Rex Van.
  The Rex 550 was called the Subaru 600 in most export markets. Subaru made much of the "Multi-Use Lever", which combined the headlight, turn signal, and windshield washer functions. This was not installed on the lowest spec versions (Type B, Standard).
  In March 1978 the Swingback version was added, a two-door sedan which received a larger, opening rear window. The large rear window necessitated a slightly smaller opening to the engine compartment, but this was more than made up for by allowing for access to the rear luggage compartment from the outside. In March 1979, the Rex underwent a very minor facelift, the most visible results being new rims and slightly differing bumpers and a small spoiler in front. Then, in response to the very low priced Suzuki Alto, a decontented version of the Van called "Family Rex" was added in October 1979. It was priced at a very low ¥480,000 (under US$2,000 at the time). An automatic clutch option was added on several Rex models in March 1980.
caption: Subaru 500 or 600, export version
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