True car enthusiasts know the name Ruska, a Dutch coachbuilder who built unique buggies based on the Volkswagen Beetle from the 60s onwards. The story of Ruska begins with the creative collaboration between photographer Paul Huf and garage owner Arie Ruska. Huf approached Ruska with the request to build an American-style buggy, and thus one of the most iconic buggies in the Netherlands was born.
Ruska's heyday as a buggy builder was in the 70s. Ruska offered various models, all based on the chassis of the VW Beetle. In addition to buying a ready-made buggy, there was also the possibility of purchasing a kit. Enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers received a complete package from Ruska, with which they could build their own buggy, on condition that they provided a suitable Beetle chassis and an engine themselves.
A topless icon
This beautiful red Ruska Super Buggy is powered by a reliable VW engine, the characteristic sound of which alone provides a great driving experience. The design of the Ruska Super Buggy is simple, but effective: a lightweight open body mounted on a robust Beetle chassis. Even after the end of production, the fun of the Ruska Buggy continues to live on. There is an active community of buggy owners in the Netherlands, which is not only focused on Ruska Buggies, but also on other brands and models. The activities of this club consist of organizing tours, exchanging parts and sharing stories about their shared passion: the buggy.
The Ruska Super: Changes and improvements
The club describes the story of the Ruska Super Buggy in detail, and we quote: “The first Ruska buggies were built on a 40 cm shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis, comparable to the English 'Bugle' buggy. The body of the Ruska Super showed a striking resemblance to that of the Bugle. After the first series of 'Supers' Ruska quickly changed a number of things. One of the characteristic changes was the addition of an elongated 'bump' between the two headlights, which made the headlights stand slightly further apart and meet the regulations of the RDW. Ruska also added an extra edge to the bottom of the nose. The roll and targa bar were modified, giving the buggy a face of its own.”
Over the years Ruska introduced more modifications and new types were brought to the market. Extensive descriptions of these models and their evolution can be found in the book “Buggies, Bajas, Kitcars and Replicars.”
A real enthusiast's car
Jan proudly tells us: “My Ruska Super Buggy was delivered new in the Netherlands in 1965. The chassis was professionally shortened by 30 cm and, despite its age, the buggy has never been restored. This model, the Ruska Super, is one of the most successful buggies after the Ruska B.1. For me, this buggy has a high Heer Olivier B. Bommel content. With my convertible, I can smell the scent of the countryside. These are simply wonderful days to experience together in nature. It is not only enjoying the birds, but also the characteristic sputtering of the VW engine gives us summer butterflies. The outdoor fun in a buggy offers a unique charm that is difficult to describe; it is an extremely tempting means for summer fun.”
History and heritage of Ruska
Ruska started out as a small coachbuilder in Amsterdam, founded by Arie Ruska. In addition to buggies, the company also built other vehicles, such as replicas of classic cars and sports cars. The brand was known for its craftsmanship and the use of Volkswagen parts. The Ruska Super Buggy, one of its most recognizable models, quickly became known as a symbol of freedom and fun in the 60s and 70s, an era when driving a buggy was synonymous with a carefree life.
With the advent of stricter safety standards and changing market trends, buggy production declined. However, the legacy of Ruska lives on in the enthusiastic community of enthusiasts and clubs who cherish these special cars and continue to enjoy the unmistakable driving pleasure that a Ruska Buggy offers.
