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1968 Volkswagen Brubaker Box #17 -Ruby Fire- Additional Info:

Thanks for stopping by to take a look at a VERY special vehicle.

Finding a Brubaker Box in a magazine or video, for some, reignites a lifelong memory of that May 1972 Car and Driver cover photo. When the beach craze of the 70’s was in full swing.

Never heard of a Brubaker Box? Here’s the story in brief, or check out our series of youtube videos chronicling the discovery, acquisition, background and restoration of Ruby Fire, Brubaker Box #17;

Curtis Brubaker was a young student at the famed ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena California. While at the beach in the late 60’s he noticed there were surfers with VW vans seemingly everywhere. And…. he watched as his brother’s van was being stolen driving down the street. The popularity of the VW van for youth gave him an idea, which later became the industry changing “one-box” design. A sporty, roomy, economical youth oriented van was envisioned. Brubaker’s vision was the precursor to the mini van craze of the 80’s, which changed the automotive marketplace forever.

Brubaker collaborated with fellow ArtCenter colleagues Todd Gerstenberger and Harry Wykes to build the dream. Their creation was the runaway hit of the L.A. auto show and encouraged them to start production. However Volkswagen, who produced the VW beetle, on which the Box was based, was not willing to sell Brubaker parts…..only complete cars. This added expense would not allow the Box to be a viable product for the marketplace, thus only 3 were built. One of the initial investors, Mike Hansen, still believed in the little car, and formed AutoMecca to produce them. Hansen was able to produce about 25 more before stopping production in the mid 70’s.

Viewing a Brubaker Box in person is a rare event. The few that exist are tightly held by collectors.

Ruby Fire has been out on a few occasions. Perhaps you had a glimpse at:

The Art Center Invitational Design Showcase, October 2022 as a featured vehicle. This is where the Box was designed by Curtis Brubaker in 1969.

Legendary automotive photographer Evan Klein introduced Ruby Fire to a whole new audience in the October 2024 issue of Octane Magazine. The DRIVEN.co team has signed a copy of the magazine and it is included.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, Mattel HQ El Segundo, CA, where Ruby Fire was one of the finalists.
The Grand National Roadster Show, where Ruby Fire was showcased by Hot VWs Magazine.

Hot VWs Magazine: 1972 BRUBAKER BOX!! Grand Daddy Drive-in at GNRS VW Gathering

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[isdntekvideo] Or perhaps you’ve seen the Youtube videos, movies, Television shows featuring the Brubaker Box, or belong to one of the Facebook groups. If so, you’ll know that we’ve helped a few Brubaker Box owners (like comedian Jeff Dunham) with impossible parts.
You can explore the history of this garage find with these videos

BRUBAKER BOX FOR SALE PART 1

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Ruby Fire BRUBAKER BOX Part 2

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On the road in search of unicorns.

RUBY FIRE BRUBAKER BOX #17 PART 3

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Having fun with the Revival of #17

RUBY FIRE BOX #17 BUILD

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The Brubaker Box’s important place in automotive history was recently highlighted with a Box being on display at the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles alongside of an original Meyer’s Manx dune buggy.

Clearly, this is not your daily driver. It is something rare and unique in automotive culture.

It is automotive art. A great design does not age……and at 50 years old, the Box remains fresh and unique. In our many years collecting, showing and restoring vintage vehicles, no experience can match that of driving or showing a Brubaker Box. Unique visually and viscerally, Ruby Fire always draws legions of admirers, both young and old. A lasting impression is left with many saying, “after all these years I've never before seen one in person”.

Ruby Fire would be an awesome addition to important motoring collections.

Ruby Fire was factory produced in Chatsworth, California. She still wears her original interior upholstery and her unique dash.

Her mild refresh was completed in 2020 after hibernating in an Indiana garage for some 30 plus years. We personally pulled her out of that garage. See the videos.

Let’s check it out!

Rarity

LOL, yes, sorta rare.

Exterior.

Ruby Fire is two stage, clear over custom color that really lights up when the sun hits. The landau top appearance is actually impregnated in the fiberglass roof, nose and tail. The roof is in excellent original condition and is almost impossible to replicate.

Stacked clear has been hand color sanded to 5000 grit and then polished and ceramic coated. Her tight lines really shine from every angle.

• Excellent body fit and finish is laser straight

• Nice brightwork

• Raptor coated underside

Wheels, Tires

• New Mickey Thompson tires over chrome 15” Keystone Klassic wheels.

Engine

• Fresh 1600 VW

• EMPI headers

• Fuel tank cleaned and resealed

• All new belts, rubbers, motor mounts

• Fresh tune, oil change.

• A new battery is installed.

Transmission

• Manual transmission

Disc brake upgrade & drum brakes serviced. New hoses and master cylinder.

Interior

• Unique Single sliding side door.

• Wrap-around Loveseat with ottoman

• Original upholstery

Rust concerns - None. This is a solid, dry car.

Included items:

Signed Octane Magazine

Automecca exploded drawing set of 3

Two custom Brubaker Box/Hot Wheels Surfboards and Surfboard rack

Official Brubaker Boxx Hoodie and T shirt

Our personalized logos and lettering are vinyl and can be removed. Yours can be added for an additional fee.

DMV

The California title is clean. California license plates. Current tags. Drive and show today. VIN 118005386

Inspection

Please come inspect this great car before the listing ends. We are happy to meet you and show her off. The details contained in this listing are based on our review of the vehicle and any errors or omissions are unintentional. Please keep in mind that this is a 61 year old used car. It will need periodic attention just as any classic does. It is not a new car and will not be fresh and perfect like that new soul sucking Camry your Aunt Betty drives. If that’s what you are after, this is not your era, nor your car so please move on to something boring.

Shipping

Yes, we can help with worldwide shipping. PLEASE CHECK YOUR HOME COUNTRY RULES! THIS VEHICLE IS TITLED AS A 1968 VOLKSWAGEN. THE VEHICLE CLEARLY DOES NOT LOOK LIKE AN ORIGINAL 1968 VOLKSWAGEN. THE ENGINE CAN BE REMOVED IF YOU ARE DEFINING THE ITEM AS ARTWORK. PLEASE MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU BID. WE ARE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.

Please, no after auction games. Please have your permissions and funds in order before bidding.

Links

Website driven.co

youtube.com/c/drivenco

facebook.com/driven.co

instagram.com/driven.co

Need some help with your car or motorcycle restoration? We do all sorts of interesting projects. Hit us up and see if we can help yours too!

Yes! We will come to you and help with your Unicorn(s) too. Give us a call or email.

Many of our auctions end early as vehicles are advertised elsewhere or offers are made for cash or trade. If something strikes your fancy, give us a call or email before it's too late. 949-234-6353

Thanks!

Always looking for pre 1986 Muscle cars, MGA, Alfa Romeo, Porsche 911, 912, 914 240Z 280Z, older Cadillac, Camaro, Mustang, Vintage race cars, older Jaguars, British sports cars, kit cars, project cars, 1948-1986 interesting cars.