Frances is a Kei-class Japanese right-hand drive sweet pea you will never see on a freeway. She’s a jazzy showstopper. In order to be licensed in Washington State, Kei vehicles must be at least 25 years old which allows them to be imported as "classics," exempting them from import regulations and avoiding the expensive, complex modifications required for newer, non-compliant vehicles. 

• Make & Model: 2000 Subaru Sambar Dias Classic

• Engine: 660 cc's of gutless wonder. +/-46 horsepower. It's a motorcycle engine. Really. Engine in back.

• Transmission: Automatic. She’s bougie.

• Weight: 2050 lbs. dry. 

• Interior: Right-hand drive, dash cluster in kilometers. Satellite digital speed display modification in mph, so there's no need to do math in my head.

• Exterior: Originally Applause Beige Metallic, now wrapped in Avery Dennison Pearl Dark Green. The original paint was in decent shape when she was shipped over, but like many Kei vehicles, it showed signs of its age.

• Fuel type: Gasoline

• Funny but true: Power windows, power door locks, power steering, air conditioning, and airbags! I was surprised too!

• Import and licensing handled by JDM Car and Motorcycle in Shoreline, WA. Thanks, Mike!