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Baby Jeep: 1960 Crofton Bug

1960 Crofton Bug

Don’t laugh, this little 1960 Crofton Bug has a payload capacity of a half ton! After Crosley closed their doors, Crofton started producing the bug between 1959 and 1962. It was based off the Crosley Farm-O-Road, but with a few improvements. It may look like a baby Jeep, but these little fellows packed a punch, and an interesting marketing campaign…

1960 Crofton Bug Military

Trusted by the military, the tiny Crofton Bug was a workhorse and the model name did nothing to diminish it’s masculine image. Just take a look at those tires and tow bar.

1960 Crofton Bug At The Beach

Look at how much fun you could have in your Bug. Here some friends can be seen romping around the beach. With a 35 horespower Crosley 4 cylinder, we wonder how things went for the one in the background with four passengers on the sand…

1960 Crofton Bug Off Roading

Maybe off-roading is more up your alley? The short 63 inch wheelbase should help on your rock climbing excursions. If you opted for the $1,800 “Brawny” package you would get a six-speed transmission, Powr-Lok differential, and some big 10 inch tires! Other options included a plow and high back seats.

1960 Crofton Bug On Truck

This is probably how we would go off-roading. Notice that the bug is loaded into a step side pickup. This demonstrates just how small these trucks really were.

1960 Crofton Bug Rear

This project includes many parts in boxes, but does not include an engine or transmission. These originally came with a Crosley 4 cylinder and a 3 speed transmission. So the question here is, would you source an original drive train or would you swap something else in?

1960 Crofton Bug Frame

Here is a shot of the frame which actually looks very well built and in excellent condition. Too bad that this vehicle is not more complete because it may actually be a fun project. It would be very simple to work on and may actually be fun to take and attempt some of the stunts from the images above. This Bug’s asking price is as optimistic as it’s marketing campaign. Find it here on eBay with a starting bid of $3,500. It will be interesting to see how many Crofton fans bid on this one.

Comments

  1. Avatar Wheezer

    This thing with a BMC "A" engine and a 4-speed box would make a nice Moke-killer!

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Glenn Davis

    In 1960, I worked for a GM dealership where I worked in the parts dept.. This dealership, Menasco Motors, took on the Bug as another vehicle line. We received one bug to sell and my recolection remembers a 4 w-d model with a six speed trans., & the 4 cyl Crosley engine. I didn’t see the 4WD mentioned above. Is my mind playing tricks or was that an option? I don’t remember if it sold, or just what happened to it but it was a real kick to drive.
    The trans had three speeds forward, each could be split six times and in reverse there were also six speeds to shift into as you backed up. This little bug had only a few customers as it was rether expensive, as I recall, so in our economically depressed area the market was quite small. The dealership had to drop it in a couple of years due to slow sales, and like I said, we only sold the one.

    Like 0
    • Avatar John groves

      I owned a 1960 brawny bug no 4×4 models did a full restoration in 2016@17 then sold. Live in grants Pass ore

      Like 0
      • Avatar Chevy Guy

        Live in Milwaukie OR, but grew up in Montana!

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Scott Weselis

    I’m restoring a 1961 model (#995) at the San Diego Automotive Museum. We’ll never take it anywhere near its 50 mph top speed…it’s very top-heavy and can flip over really easily. With only 720 original miles, it runs great. And yes, it is street legal. It’ll be fun to drive around Balboa Park for lunch runs and publicity. It should be done in a couple weeks. I’ll post another picture.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar tom wiggins

    I have a 1961 crofton bug s/n 912 and I need a wiring diagram and hub caps. thanks

    Like 0
    • Avatar Scott W.

      Bad news: There are no wiring diagrams for the Crofton. Good news: The wiring is about as simple as can be. Look at an an old VW and ignore everything that doesn’t apply. We winged it. Tip: the 6-volt starter is also the generator.
      As for hubcaps, we spit-sanded ours with WD-40 and 0000-steel wool (because the the museum is cheap), but you can probably find some in the Summit Racing catalog.
      I haven’t been there in a while. I’ll go back to the resto-shop on Wednesday and find out the latest.Unfortunately, it wouldn’t surprise me if they sold it since the old guys in charge seem to think that nothing is worth anything unless it’s older than they are. That’s why I quit.
      -Scott

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