As any car enthusiast will tell you, the Subaru Brumby is an Australian automotive icon. Produced from 1978 to 1984, this rugged ute (short for utility truck) was built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Outback and the demanding workloads of farmers and bushmen alike. But among all the Subaru Brumbys out there, there’s only one that stands out from the rest. This is the story of a vehicle that’s been brought back to life, and it’s got a feature that will make you wonder why every other Brumby owner didn’t think of it first – a functioning Thunderbox in the tray.
A Brief History of the Subaru Brumby
The Subaru Brumby was designed to compete with other popular utes of the time, such as the Holden VB and the Ford Falcon Utility. With its powerful boxer engine, four-wheel drive capabilities, and impressive towing capacity, it quickly gained a reputation as a reliable and hardy workhorse.
Over its six-year production run, the Brumby underwent several changes, including updates to the interior and exterior design. The most popular model was the Brumby 260, which came with a 2.6L six-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Story of the Thunderbox Subaru Brumby
So, what makes this particular Subaru Brumby so special? It’s not just the fact that it’s been lovingly restored to its former glory – although that’s certainly a big part of it. No, the real magic happens when you open the lid of the tray. That’s right, folks – this ute has a functional Thunderbox (which is Australian for portable toilet or loo).
According to the owner, a 55-year-old plumber from rural NSW, the Thunderbox was a bespoke job that was installed by a mate who worked at a local caravan manufacturing company. The idea was to create a vehicle that could provide emergency sanitation facilities for workers and campers in remote areas.
"It was a real conversation starter when we first got it," says the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous. "People would see it and just can’t believe their eyes. We’ve had people offer us thousands of dollars for it just for the Thunderbox alone!"
Finding the Brumby
As with any classic car restoration project, finding the Brumby was just the beginning. The owner had been searching for years, scouring online marketplaces and attending car shows, before finally tracking down a rusty but mostly complete example in a shed in Western Australia.
"It took us months to get it ready," says the owner. "But it was worth every bit of it. We replaced the engine, refurbished the chassis, and even replaced the entire interior."
Restoring the Brumby
Restoring a Subaru Brumby to its former glory is no easy feat. With a reputation for being reliable and hardy, it’s not surprising that many examples have seen years of hard work and harsh conditions. This particular vehicle was no exception, with rust having set in on several key components.
To restore it to its former glory, the owner and his team took it upon themselves to replace the entire chassis, engine, and transmission. They also refurbished the steering and exhaust systems, and gave the bodywork a much-needed coat of paint.
"It was a labor of love," says the owner. "We had to be meticulous in every little detail. It’s not just a Brumby – it’s a work of art."
The Thunderbox
So, what about the Thunderbox? Was it a bit of a headache to get installed, we asked the owner? "Nah, mate," he replied with a chuckle. "We just had to make sure we had the right plumbing and a proper ventilation system in place. It’s actually been really handy for our trips into the bush."
We must admit, we’re not entirely convinced about the practicality of a working loo in the back of a ute. But then again, this is a vehicle that’s designed for off-road adventures and emergency repair work, after all.
On the Road
So, what’s it like driving a Subaru Brumby with a functional Thunderbox in the tray? We got to take it for a spin and see for ourselves.
The Brumby is a joy to drive, with its boxer engine providing smooth and responsive power delivery. The four-wheel drive system gives it impressive traction and stability, even on slippery surfaces.
As for the Thunderbox, it’s been installed with a clever compartment that contains a standard portable toilet, water tank, and even a built-in hand sanitizer dispenser. It’s a surprisingly well-integrated addition that doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s hauling or towing capabilities in the slightest.
"All we need is a generator and some extra fuel," says the owner, "and we can drive anywhere in Australia with no worries."
The Future of the Brumby
As we conclude our story of this remarkable Subaru Brumby, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this incredible vehicle. Will it become a celebrity or a record-breaker, or simply continue to serve its owner in the rugged terrain of rural Australia?
One thing’s for sure: this Brumby is a true icon of Australian ingenuity and car enthusiasm, and we’re honored to share its story with you.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings to its current status as a fully restored workhorse, the Subaru Brumby with a functioning Thunderbox in the tray is a true Australian icon. With its rugged design, powerful performance, and cleverly installed loo (yes, loo!), this ute is the ultimate vehicle for those who need a bit of extra capability on their adventures.
If you’re thinking about restoring a classic car or investing in a rare ute, consider the Subaru Brumby with a functional Thunderbox. It may be a niche interest, but it’s sure to leave you feeling proud to be a part of the Australian car community.
Specifications:
- Vehicle: Subaru Brumby 260
- Year: 1980
- Engine: 2.6L six-cylinder
- Power: 90kW
- Torque: 240Nm
- Transmission: Five-speed manual
- Drive: Four-wheel drive
- Weight: 1,800kg
- Dimensions: Length: 5.4m, Width: 1.8m, Height: 1.6m
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Fuel Capacity: 80L
- Towing Capacity: 2,500kg
- Features:
- Functional Thunderbox in the tray
- Four-wheel drive capabilities
- Powerful boxer engine
- Manual transmission
- Large towing capacity
Price:
As a restored and well-maintained Subaru Brumby with a functional Thunderbox, this vehicle is a true one-off. If you’re serious about investing in a piece of Australian automotive history, be prepared to pay a premium price.
Estimated Value: AU$250,000+
Disclaimer:
All views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. No warranties or representations are made about the accuracy or reliability of the information in this article. The author is not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from the use of this information.
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