For Sale: 1963 Crofton Bug in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1963 Crofton Brawny Bug & Trailer

"The Crofton Bug was a resurrection of one of the defunct Crosley Motor's better ideas. The Crosley automobile was a valiant attempt by industrialist Powell Crosley to provide an ultra compact, highly affordable car that offered all of America the joy and freedom of motoring. Soon a range topping model was added called the Brawny Bug. The BB was brawny indeed, with a compound transmission, a skid plate and either flotation or mud tires. The engine was bored out to 53 cubes and sported a pavement ripping 45hp. Even with the mightier mill, this brick-like, agro geared buff Bug could do no better than 50mph." makesthatdidntmakeit.com

For consignment, a 1963 Crofton Brawny Bug showing 3,522 miles, but the true miles are unknown. According to Hagerty, "the Crofton Bug was always intended to be a basic agricultural runabout, but if you really wanted to get serous you could pay an extra $450, ($1800 total),for the "Brawny Bug" which got you chunkier tires, skid plates, Powr-Lok differential, and a compound transmission that effectively turns the normal 3-speed into a 6-speed with two reverse gears."

Exterior
Jeep comparisons are inevitable and you could think of this as a CJ in miniature, small but with big presence in two stage Fire Engine Red paint enhanced on this overgrown Tonka truck by gray and white blade designs on the rear corners. Beyond that, everything else is black from the roll bar to the bumpers, light rings, hood latches, and window trim. A chrome exhaust tip peaks from the right rear corner and 14-inch wheels reminiscent of early 90's Bronco units wear knobby tires hinting at some off road capability. There are no glaring exterior imperfections.

Interior
The doorless sides lead to two part black vinyl bucket seats with a Grant steering wheel in front, three gauges in the center along with some knobs, two pedals, handbrake, and a shifter on the floor. The speedometer warns that if you go above 50, Crofton does not honor whatever warranty that came with the little Bug. Back to the floor, which has a black textured coating that continues to the small bed in back, and it's all spotless.

Drivetrain
Just your basic piano hinge allows the opening of the hood, revealing the 53ci OHC inline four cylinder Crosley based engine. It's rated at 45 horsepower and fueled with a 1-barrel carburetor. The compound 3-speed manual has six forward speeds and power is transferred to the rear axle with 5.38 gears. Drum brakes are supplied to all four wheels.

Undercarriage
This real car in miniature has some light patina underneath but is otherwise clean. The single exhaust feeds a stock style muffler and then exits with a polished tip. Leaf spring suspension is utilized front and rear with shock at both ends.

Drive-Ability
We don't venture too far, but don't have to in one of the smallest real cars we've had at the mall. It does what it's intended to do and bonus, it produces instant smiles from onlookers and operators! Functionally, it works perfectly. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Trailer
To transport the Crofton, the sale includes a Triple Crown steel tube trailer with wooden floor, grated tailgate, tail lights, tie down loops, and Badland ZXR 500 winch. The planks are a bit weathered but intact and the tires have a date code of early 2016. A 2" ball is required for towing.

This is not just a novel vehicle, it's a rare piece of American automotive history and less than 200 were ever produced. Tow this showpiece to micro car events and normal car shows for an absolutely winning exhibit. It would also place nicely in a transportation museum if you happen to own one of those!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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