Subaru, Gull Wings & EVs - Malcolm Bricklin’s Empire (Part 1)

Our guest tonight began his career in the automotive industry in the early 1960s, when he started importing small cars from Europe and Japan to sell in the United States. In 1968, he founded Subaru of America and helped to introduce the Subaru 360 to the American market.

In the 1970s, Malcolm Bricklin turned his attention to creating his own sports car, the Bricklin SV-1. The car featured gull-wing doors and a fiberglass body, and was powered by a V8 engine. 2,854 units were sold and production ceased in 1975. 

Today, Malcolm remains an active and influential figure in the automotive industry, continuing to explore new ideas and business ventures in pursuit of his entrepreneurial vision. And he’s here to explain to us just exactly what he’s been up to! 

This episode is part of our ROAD TO SUCCESS SERIES - inspiring stories that help shape the future of the autosphere.

========================================================================

• Check out our membership program and go VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports
• Other cool stuff: https://linkin.bio/grantouringmotorsports

GTM = Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - gtmotorsports.org

00:00 Introduction to Break Fix Podcast 00:27 Malcolm Bricklin's Early Career 01:02 The Subaru 360 and Beyond 02:37 The C Box Machine Venture 05:30 The Scooter Dilemma 09:23 Breakthrough with the New York Police 12:04 The Scooter Rental Business 15:37 Importing Subaru to the USA 22:49 Challenges with Consumer Reports 26:40 Building the Bricklin SV-1 30:35 Collaboration with John DeLorean 33:53 The Cost of Innovation 34:29 Hiring Irv Bras: A Unique Encounter 36:02 The Inspiration Behind the SV-1's Gullwing Doors 37:16 Engineering Challenges and Breakthroughs 42:00 The Chairman's Car: A New Vision 43:03 Battles with the Big Three 48:02 The End of the Bricklin SV-1 50:28 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 55:14 From Electric Bikes to Hydrogen Cars 58:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes