The Trophy Bug by Kreger Fabrication
by Michael Flores

Others may claim to own one, but there is only one Trophy Bug. And it is owned by long time desert racer Ray Croll, patriarch to the Grove Lumber racing team. Essentially a next generation class 10 Kreger race car stuffed into a Volkswagen body, this street legal prerunner has all the meticulous details to merit the title.

13lbs. of silicon bronze TIG rod seal this bug from the outside elements, making it possible to both retain water, or keep out the harsh desert weather. When doing the latter, Mr. Croll can find comfort with his power windows, tilt steering, sliding seats and crisp AC. Sounds more like a luxury sedan than hardcore prerunner.

However, powered by a fat performance 2800cc type IV engine and over 20 inches of King dampened travel, this bug will run circles around your lexus. And speaking of the family sedan, this car shifts easy with the automatic Dave Folts/Mendeola 5 speed transaxle.

The amazing blue and grey interior upholstery was completed by Stitchcraft, in Huntington Beach. Customs by Burnt, of La Habra, CA, laid down the clean silver paint on the exterior of the Body. The whale-tale rear valence, a throw back to the old school baja bug body style, is custom built and available through Kreger's shop. Rounding out the other cosmetic perfections are the Kreger fan shroud, and custom rear view mirrors, combined with the stock door handles.

The rumored cost is somewhere above 100 grand... but rest assured, it was money well spent. All the ruggedness of a buggy, with the creature comforts of a luxury vehicle