Subaru XVs and Foresters today won't have AWD if not for Japan's TNB

When someone mentions the brand Subaru, the first things that come to mind are boxer engines, and also symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). Rightly so, as these features are synonymous with Subarus, be it a XV, Forester or the WRX STI.

But what if I told you, that how Subaru made AWD a part of its identity was purely by chance? Yes indeed. This tale involves an electric company, the Toyota Land Cruiser, some snow, and a random request all at once. 

Let it snow

It was the late 1960s. For Tohoku Electric Power Co., a northeast Japan power company, winter season is especially difficult as its employees often had to venture into rugged and snowy terrain to repair power lines. 

As such, Tohoku's fleet of service vehicles comprised of traditional 4x4s like the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Sure, the J40 generation Land Cruiser was no doubt up to the task for such terrains, but employees found it uncomfortable, and the canvas tops weren't great at keeping occupants warm in winter.

A most random request

Come 1969, Tohoku was on the lookout to replace said fleet of Toyota Land Cruisers. In its place, Tohoku wanted a fleet of vehicles far more comfortable, but no less capable in snowy terrain.

Remember, prior to this, 4x4 vehicles only existed in the form of trucks and jeeps. 

While most passenger cars of this era were mainly rear-wheel drive RWD, Subaru had something different in the form of the FF-1 wagon (FF for front engine, front-wheel drive). This configuration gave the FF-1 examplary traction and performance in snowy conditions. 

As fate would have it, a Tohoku manager paid a visit to the Miyagi prefecture Subaru dealership. He only had one request: Build the FF-1 with 4WD (which would later evolve into the more advanced AWD), and Tohoku will purchase a fleet.

Build it they did. In went additional propellor shafts, rear differentials and suspension components. Considering the existing drivetrain layout, these modifications were relatively easy to add on. 

Interestingly, the additional differential and rear axle, were taken from a Datsun 510 wagon as Nissan owned 20 percent of Subaru at the time. Talk about parts sharing!

The Subaru recipe was born

The FF-1 4WD wagons had an extra 20mm ride height than the regular car, and combined with the existing boxer engines, the template for all modern Subarus was born.

In total, Subaru Miyagi built eight examples of the FF-1 4WD, five of which went to Tohoku, and the remaining three were sent for government use in the Nagano prefecture.

Not only that, Subaru Miyagi showed the FF-1 4WD prototype to Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) - owners of Subaru -. FHI obviously loved the idea and built a FF-1 4WD prototype to display at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show. 

The rest, as they say, is history. The FF-1's successor, the Subaru Leone, debuted in 1971 and came with the option of 4WD straight from the factory. 

Conclusion

In 2008, Subaru managed to locate one of the eight custom-made FF-1 4WDs made by its Miyagi dealership. It was restored and used as a display unit across Japan. Sadly, in 2011, this unit was destroyed by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Regardless, these eight units of FF-1 4WD were pivotal in shaping the destiny and pathway for Subaru as we know today. Can you imagine a world where Subarus do not have AWD, or boxer engines? 

Worst still, without the FF-1 4WD, your XVs and Foresters wouldn't possess the all-weather capabilities they have today. Colin McRae, Subaru entering the World Rally Championship (and winning) with the Impreza. None of this would've happened. 

Because of that, we have much to thank the humble FF-1 4WD wagon, for paving the way.