It’s rare to see Crosley 2 door sedans, nevermind the stationwagon. They were mechanically advanced for their time..that’s an overhead cam engine, 4 cylinder, under the hood.
They were the first American car with front disc brakes..unfortunately they rusted badly, and had to be replaced with conventional shoes and drums. But it was quite a tribute to a company that got started selling Crosley radios. That little engine saw years of service as the compressor for commerical refrigeration. They also made a sporty car called the “Hot Shot”, and a utility vehicle.
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Glad to hear from …
Jack
Glad to hear from someone who knew this car up close and personal! That’s a unique engine swap..it must have been a screamer! Didn’t know about the Crosley connection with outboards..but did understand that he same motor as in the car served for years in commercial refrigeration systems developed by Crosley. A shame he didn’t develop more cars….He was also a radio manufacturer! Thanks!
My dad had one of …
My dad had one of these back in the 60′s. We lived in the country and he drove it to work in town every day. Over the winter one year he swapped the stock motor for a Ford 60HP V8. I have a Homelite 55HP outboard from the 60′s that is based on the Crosley motor, 4 stroke, overhead cam, five main bearings, ahead of it’s time!
Thanks, Vin…I’d …
Jack
Thanks, Vin…I’d like to take credit for it, but it’s not my car…I just happened to film it at a car show! I remember when there was but one tailight…fairly common in the early 30′s! I remember the ads for these cars in Popular Mechanics, along with the King Midget!! Those were the days!! Thanks for the comment!
A Fine Car Jack! I …
A Fine Car Jack! I had the same one…Exact same one. It was yellow and woodgrain also. Mine was totally stock. I had no radio, and stock rims with hubcaps. I do like the wagon wheels you put on. The second tail light definitely makes it safer. I kept mine with just the one it came with on the driver’s side. Your car is actually a 48 1/2 which makes it much better looking than the 48. Good luck with it. Vin
Going back in time, …
Jack
Going back in time, the interstate highway system was only a planner’s dream when this vehicle was made. I’d say it could cope with normal highway speeds of the time..maybe 55 would stress it for extended periods. But I think most used it for local trips to the market, etc! Thanks for the comment!
Yeah, Crosley gave …
Jack
Yeah, Crosley gave a new meaning to “bare bones”..altho our Henry J was a close second! LOL! I definitely remember them on the road.
The one I never saw in reality is the King Midget, also in Popular Science! Thanks for the comment!
so did people …
so did people actually drive these on main roads, highways etc?…or were they really more as a cheap second care to do errands locally?
I absolutely LOVE …
I absolutely LOVE the “bare bones” dashboard. Reminds me a little of my 1965 Nova. I remember when these were advertised in popular science although I never actually saw one on the road
Wow..I’m searching …
Jack
Wow..I’m searching my memory banks for rattan panels! Amazing! Yeah, I think that little engine had big job to do hauling the wagon model around! Thanks for the information!
This one has wood …
This one has wood grain on those rear panels. My neighbor’s bright blue wagon had rattan on those panels. Blue smoke out that tiny exhaust pipe, too.
That’s probably a …
Jack
That’s probably a pretty good description, Brian! Too bad the only show in town was big cars after the deprivation of WW2. Just not the right time or place, unfortunately! Thanks for the comment!
I remember watching …
I remember watching a show where Crosley’s were refered to as America’s first economy cars.How a lot of the metal trim pieces were made with nickel plated pot metal.That they weren’t made as novelties,like the Bantams,but intended as everyday drivers for those a little short on cash flow.
It was made from …
Jack
It was made from 1939 to 1952. I’ll refer you to Wikipedia’s listing, they give a nice account of the life and works of Powell Crosley, big in manufacturing radios and cars.
Thanks for the comment!
Till when were …
Till when were Crosley cars made?
You’re right! It’s …
You’re right! It’s always a challenge to drive among the unconscious! ;D Jack
I don’t know, lot …
I don’t know, lot of old people driving in FLA these days. LOL
I see them from …
I see them from time to time at shows, but not nearly as often now. Yeah, it would be nice to take it for a drive..I’ll let you drive, I’ll navigate Central Florida! LOL! Jack
I love this car. I …
I love this car. I want to take it for a spin.
No worries there! …
Jack
No worries there! Knowledge is a matter of degree..I’m always learning things from others, and when I have to look up things to answer someone’s question. No prior knowledge required of my viewers! I’m just happy you like looking at them..you’d be suprised what you learn in the meantime! Thanks for the comment!
wish i knew more …
wish i knew more about cars…but I still like looking at them..haahah.
Yeah, these were …
Jack
Yeah, these were very utilitarian..something like we use 10 year old pickup trucks for today! lol! Thanks for the comment!
well at least u …
well at least u dont have to be affraid to make a scratch on it
I think it was, …
Thanks for the comment! 
Jack
I think it was, really. It mostly functioned as a short errand car, when you could go to a local store to do your shopping. Really a city car…before the days of the interstate highways and freeways.
Thanks, Eddie! It …
Jack
Thanks, Eddie! It is very unusual, and surely was underappreciated at the time!
They don’t make …
They don’t make them like that anymore.. Thanks for the awesome video
Eddie