As Cute As a Button - The Crosley Automobile

I just say the cutest vehicle for sale today and I wish I had the means to purchase the vehicle. It is a 1952 Crosley Delivery Wagon. 1952 was the last year that the Crosley vehicles were produced which is unfortunate. Perhaps the Crosley was ahead of its time. The vehicle might be highly successful in today’s market for its ability to achieve up to 50 miles per gallon.

Developed by radio pioneer Powel Crosley who was a famous radio and appliance manufacturer and the owner of the Cincinnati Reds, the Crosley is a small car and was exceptionally successful on the American market where few other cars of the type had. Before World War II, the Crosley was an air-cooled engine. Later it was replace by the CIBA engine which was made of cast iron for greater economy and strength. The CIBA engine developer 26.5 hp at 5,400 rpm and was used in Crosley sports cars with great success.

These cars were produced starting in 1939 to 1942 and then again in 1946 until 1952. The first Crosley produced cost only $250.00 and weighed in at less than 1,000 pounds. Crosley made a wide range of vehicle styles including sedans, convertibles, station wagons, panel trucks, pickups, delivery vans and sports cars. One of Crosley Motors great success was the Hot Shot sports car which out-performed anything in its class and is a favorite among collectors.

If you are a Crosley fan or want to learn more about the Crosley vehicle, I recommend visiting the Crosley Automobile Club. The club was founded in 1969 and has over 1000 members world-wide. Their website has a wealth of information, including help with identifying your Crosley, Restoration Advice and where to buy parts and accessories.

Image via Wikipedia