At first glance, you don’t quite know what you’re looking at. Is it a van? A truck? A space rover? A survival pod on wheels? Whatever it is, you know immediately that you want it. The GearBox looks like nothing else on the road—or off it. It radiates the kind of mystery and allure only a true one-off concept can. Born in an era of wild design experiments, it’s the sort of machine that makes you stop scrolling, lean closer to the screen, and imagine all the possibilities of what life could be like if you had the keys. It’s strange, it’s futuristic, it’s rugged—and it’s completely irresistible.

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This 1998 Mobility Outfitters GearBox is a one-of-one concept vehicle designed by Stewart Reed Design and unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Created for Michigan-based Mobility Outfitters, the GearBox was envisioned as a multipurpose adventure and utility vehicle blending the ruggedness of an SUV with the versatility of an outdoor expedition van—years before the current overlanding trend took hold. Following its debut, the vehicle entered the Petersen Automotive Museum collection in Los Angeles, where it remained on display as an example of late-1990s American concept design. It is now offered by Heritage Gruppe from our Southern California warehouse with a clean bill of provenance and documentation of its Petersen history.

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Design and Features

The GearBox was conceived not just as a styling exercise but as a forward-thinking mobility platform. Among its notable features:

• Solar Panel Roof: Pop-up solar panels that tilt to track the sun, providing power to accessories and simultaneously creating stand-up interior headroom when deployed.

• Modular Storage: Integrated saddlebag-style side boxes, a rear bumper storage compartment for tools, and underfloor storage designed to house batteries or a small generator.

• Adventure-Ready Cabin: Pivoting passenger seat, side-wall truss system for gear racks, molded floor liner with marine-style drains, and a navigation table designed for explorers.

• Exterior Utility: External tube structure for mounting accessories, integrated winch, roof hatch, front bar with driving lamps, and removable roof elements.

The GearBox’s futuristic yet utilitarian design foreshadowed today’s fascination with off-grid vehicles, camper conversions, and overland rigs. Its mix of solar energy, modularity, and rugged outdoor functionality was ahead of its time.

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Mechanical Details

Under the bodywork, the GearBox is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 paired with an automatic transmission. While originally conceived as a functional prototype rather than a production model, the vehicle is operable and presents as a complete running example. Buyers should note that it was built as a concept and not intended for standard road use or registration—its value lies in its rarity, design, and provenance.

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Provenance

• Unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.

• Designed by Stewart Reed, a respected automotive designer and educator (best known as ex-Chair of Transportation Design at ArtCenter College of Design).

• Exhibited as part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection, where it was displayed as a study in late-1990s concept and design culture for the past year.

• Now offered for sale by Heritage Gruppe.

Why It Matters

The GearBox is more than just a vehicle—it is a rolling piece of design history. It represents a moment when American concept cars explored lifestyle mobility and alternative energy solutions, anticipating the outdoor adventure vehicle boom by decades. Its rarity as a true one-of-one concept, its museum provenance, and its connection to Stewart Reed make it an opportunity for collectors, museums, or design aficionados seeking an artifact that bridges art, engineering, and cultural history.

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Sale Details

This one-of-a-kind concept will be sold on Bring a Trailer. Included with the sale are documentation of its Petersen Museum provenance, press clippings, and records. Due to its status as a design prototype, buyers should understand that its primary value is as a collectible and display vehicle rather than a daily-use automobile.

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