In 1950, Crosley introduced a multipurpose vehicle called the Farm-O-Road. Only a few hundred Farm-O-Road’s were produced before Crosley went under in 1952. The Crofton Marine Engine Company of California bought the rights to Crosley’s four-cylinder engine and felt there was still a market for something like the old Farm-O-Road. So they built a similar version with a 44-cubic-inch engine with 35 horsepower called the Crofton Bug.
1949 Crosley Farm-O-Road sold on Bring a trailer for $14,500
The Crofton Bug was the base vehicle and you could pay an extra $450 ($1800 total) for the “Brawny Bug”. This got you larger tires, Powr-Lok differential, skid plates, and a compound transmission that turned the three-speed into a six-speed with two reverse gears.
Brawny Bugs extra 7 cubic inches with 10 more horsepower had a top speed of only about 50. 4wd wasn’t an option but they only weighed 1100 pounds and were about 4 feet wide and 9 feet long making it a fun 2wd trail rig. Less than 250 Brawny bugs were built from 1958-1963.
This red 1962 Brawny Bug is currently listed on eBay with a starting bid of $6500. It looks to be in great condition with the original style tires, removable soft top and it runs great. See it here on eBay.
