This 1958 Crofton Bug is one of the more unusual and rarely seen alternatives to a Jeep CJ2 / CJ3, a short-lived experiment that utilized a durable Crosley powerplant with the most basic of form and function for an off-road capable runabout. The Bug was previously known by its name under the Crosley umbrella, the “Farm-O-Road,” a delightful moniker from an era of product branding that was both obvious and cute. Anyway, Crosley sold off the plans and the engine to Crofton, which made enough of these rudimentary machines that they still show up on occasion, but it’s still incredibly rare to find one for sale. Find this disassembled project-grade Crofton Bug here on eBay with bids to $1,775 and the reserve unmet.
The Crofton Bug was both limited and unlimited in its execution, as its modest powerplant meant highway speeds were a wish – but it’s not like the CJ2 was much of a speed demon, either. The focus was on go-anywhere capabilities with next to no creature comforts of any kind, making it perhaps even slightly more utilitarian than the Jeep. Crosley did sell about 600 Farm-O-Roads before conceding the model to Crofton, and we do see those pop up fairly regularly in comparison. Only about 200 Bugs were made, and that includes related models like the “Brawny Bug” and the Crofton Tug. As you can see here, you’ll be doing some DIY assembly to put this Bug back together – fortunately, there weren’t many parts to begin with.
The Bug was produced between 1958 and 1964, and it’s possible that in addition to the limited production numbers, we don’t see many of them today because they didn’t appeal to road-going users. In other words, the Bug was perfect for use on private land that required a means of transportation to ensure landowners could scope out their vast acreage with something more comfortable than a horse. So, it’s entirely possible you’ll still dig up a Crofton machine in some rancher’s barn or sitting between hay bales on a farm, but less likely to find one taking up space in a suburban garage. The seller confirms that the Crofton will come with a windshield assembly, transmission, motor, wiring, seat, and other bits to put it back together.
I’d love to know the story on this Crofton Bug, especially in terms of where the seller found it. I’d also like to know if it has skid plates underneath, as those tires look like the optional mud rubbers that the rare “Brawny Bug” could be optioned with. The Brawny Bug also came with a unique transmission, bored-out engine, and either mud or flotation tires, according to MakesThatDidntMakeIt.com. A true expert will have to perform the necessary due diligence to determine if this was spec’d at a higher equipment threshold, and that winch on the bumper is telling me yes. Regardless, this is a rare machine, and while the audience is limited, there’s certainly a few people out there who still collect these micro-oddities.
We have a John Deere Gator at my job. I would consider this an ancestor so to speak.
Again,,,all about timing. I read, the Crofton Bug was just an offshoot of the Farm-O-Road, as mentioned, and even those had a limited following. It was more of a utility unit, the transmissions are a 3 speed with a 2 speed aux. ( not sure which is which) and low gearing made it ideal for golf courses, cemeteries, and such. 4wd was never an option, and wasn’t designed for that, and a Jeep or Scout could do so much more and be driven on the street. Now, fast forward to today, these “Gator” types are all the rage, and save a lot of steps. Timing,,is the key.
I think this is cool, but updated with modern mechanicals, be a hoot.
Yes a bit odd, but so is the sellers other items.
For more Crofton information: Crosley Car Owners Club http://www.facebook.com/CrosleyCarClub https://images.app.goo.gl/7MWkmeVfMpLQhJ4c7
I know the history of this particular Bug. 10-12 years ago it belonged to someone I know in San Francisco. It was in good condition, no rust and was intact and seemed to be complete. Pretty sure it was running at the time. It was thoroughly presentable and a good detailing would have really made it shine.
I haven’t seen it in 10 years but it has seen hard times. No idea what the seller had in mind taking it apart and making a mess of it. Hopefully it gets into the hands of someone who knows what they are doing and has a plan for it. for it.
Meth maybe?
@Howard A I owned this crofton years ago. I know the person that has it now. NO METH!! He was going to re-do it but life and family…..
@paolo, It was more like 20 years ago, 1999. Took it out to The Burningman event that year. Gave it away to someone that wanted it(not the seller, I think the seller is doing for the owner) It was running but need work. The transmissions where full of water. drained and rinsed out with stale gas and diesel. It has 2 3speed gear boxes put both in Rev. it goes forward. I believe the engine is made by Fagol. No rust when I had it and it has been in a weather tight container for 20+ years.
Ended $2,304 reserve not met.
Ended: Aug 26, 2021 , 3:18PM
Current bid:US $2,304.19
[ 27 bids ]
Reserve not met
Located in:San Francisco, California,
I just purchased a Crofton BUG with the dully rear wheels out of a barn in north western South Carolina. It is a very solid car that has not been started in several years. I am asking $5,000 for it.
Send it in so we can feature it on the site!