Ignition Season 9 Episode 101 1978 Subaru Brat: The Greatest Chicken Tax Truck of Them All!

Ignition is an automotive show that continues to awe its audience with exciting reviews and features of some of the most stylistic cars ever made. In season 9, episode 101, titled "1978 Subaru Brat: The Greatest Chicken Tax Truck of Them All!", viewers get to experience the power and excellence of this amazing truck.

The episode follows the story of the 1978 Subaru Brat, which is an abbreviation for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter." It is a vehicle whose story spans over 40 years and is known for its peculiar design that features two rear-facing vinyl "jump" seats mounted in the cargo bed. It was initially designed for loophole exploitation- chicken tax. The 1978 Subaru Brat is a beautiful machine that has become a collector's item.

The episode starts with the host, a seasoned journalist and automotive expert, explaining the interesting story behind the 1978 Subaru Brat. He takes the viewers back in time to the era of the chicken war between the USA and Japan in the 1970s. The "chicken tax" was a 25% tariff placed on all imported utility vehicles such as pickups that could compete with American-made trucks, thus making it harder and costlier for Japanese automakers to import their small utility trucks into the USA. To bypass this, Subaru manufactured the Brats in Japan and removed the beds before exporting them to the USA as car models. Once they arrived in the USA, the beds were remodeled in packs and reattached to the vehicles, which meant classified as cars instead of trucks. This loophole helped to reduce the amount of tax paid and increased profit margins.

In this episode, viewers are taken on a tantalizing journey where they get to see what is different about the Brat. One of its most significant features is the jump seats, which are mounted outside the cab area and face backward. It's designed to carry passengers in the open air. The driver can flip down a handle and lower the support struts so that the front gate can swing open to allow easy access to the cargo bed. In addition, the 1978 Subaru Brat has a refined engine that gives the user unmatched performance on and off-road.

The host then takes viewers on a detailed test drive of the Subaru Brat. He showcases the specifications, capabilities, and features of this beauty. He also describes how the Brat has a side-mounted spare tire compartment, which housed the vehicle's toolkit as well. The Brat is also known for its four-wheel-drive capability, which makes traversing harsh terrain possible.

One of the other highlights of the episode is the restoration process of the 1978 Subaru Brat. The host takes viewers through the challenges and efforts required to restore a vintage car to its former glory. This is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and a lot of resources. The host gives viewers a glimpse of the process, which includes stripping the car down to its bare essentials, replacing worn-out parts with original ones, and repainting the body.

The episode ends with the host highlighting some of the key takeaways from the experience. He explains that the 1978 Subaru Brat was a unique vehicle that defied expectations and stood out from the crowd. He also emphasizes that the Brat is a collector's item and a unique piece of automotive history.

In conclusion, the episode "1978 Subaru Brat: The Greatest Chicken Tax Truck of Them All!" is an excellent addition to the Ignition series. It is a well-delivered episode that takes viewers through the journey of the iconic car brand and showcases what makes the 1978 Subaru Brat so special. The episode is perfect for vintage car enthusiasts, automotive lovers, and anyone who wants to learn about the history and evolution of car brands. With its insightful commentary and detailed review, this episode is not to be missed!