Originally designed by Curtis Brubaker in the early 1970s, the Brubaker Box was a custom van based on the Volkswagen Beetle. Though it was originally intended to be sold as a kit, the VW-based van was eventually sold as a turn-key vehicle, though an inability to reach an agreement between Curtis and VW ultimately lead to the idiosyncratic van’s demise. And despite nearly half-a-century having passed since it was penned, the design still holds up remarkably well today, making it an ideal candidate to receive a 2020 update.
Inspired by Brubaker’s original 1972 design, Samir Sadikhov — a seasoned automotive designer with a career that led to accolades such as a 2015 Red Dot Design Award and prior experience working as an exterior designer for outfits like Rezvani and Lamborghini — has taken the Brubaker Box and streamlined and modernized the design. Sadikhov has given the 1970s concept a futuristic facelift that includes contemporary wheel arches, LED lighting, and oak bumpers fore and aft. Outfitted with a glass roof, the interior of the conceptual van sports a lounge-style arrangement with a large love-seat, shelving, and screen display. To check out more photos of Samir Sadikhov’s take on the Brubaker Box, check out the concept artist’s website below.
