Crosley Cars

1937 CRAD, short for Crosley Radio Automobile Division, was the pre-production prototype car that Powel Crosley envisioned for the future. Work began at two plants, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Richmond, Indiana, in late 1937 to build those low- priced vehicles. Prior to its involvement as an auto builder, the company made radios and kitchen appliances. The prototype CRAD had a narrow rear end and used a bevel gear drive. A 2-cylinder opposed air-cooled Waukesha engine powered the little Crosley. Additionally, its fuel tank was mounted under the hood and above the engine on the firewall, to eliminate the need for a fuel pump. Only one CRAD was built and is now in the hands of a collector, but rumors persist that there may have been a few chassis assemblies too.

1939 Convertible With an 80-inch wheelbase and a $325 price tag, the first Crosley convertibles and sedans were officially introduced on April 28, 1939, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These 925-lb cars used the air-cooled Waukesha two-cylinder engines first seen in the CRAD, but now employed a unique Hawley brake system that had a 350-degree brake shoe lining ring that expanded between an inner and outer drum for stopping. Available only through large department stores and appliance retailers, a total of 2,017 Crosleys were sold by October 1939 when the 1940 models were introduced. The following year the line was expanded to include a station wagon and panel-style delivery vehicle. Today, a 1939 Convertible is worth about $2,500.

1941 Parkway Based on the standard Crosley car, the single-seater Parkway was more of an around town type of delivery vehicle intended for use at department stores, flower shops and drug stores. In typical pre-war fashion this tiny delivery vehicle, which sold for $375 when new, had a long nose and pontoon-like fenders. Exact production figures are unknown, but very few are known to exist. Its poor survival rate is attributed to its commercial use. For this reason, a Parkway is worth more than a car model and will bring about $5,000 today. By the time war was declared and all U.S. production had shifted to aiding the war effort, Crosley had produced more than 5,700 automobiles.

1947 Sedan CC, models, which included the station wagon, pickup, convertible, panel delivery and sedan were introduced in 1946. Production, ran through 1948 when they were replaced by the more modern-looking CD versions. All CCs had six-inch mechanical brakes and a single taillight (right light was optional). When the CCs rolled off the assembly line on May 9, 1946, they were one of the first U.S. production cars to be redesigned in the immediate post-war era, and the first with slab-sided bodies. By 1947, Crosley had more than 600 dealerships and stopped selling its cars through department stores. As one of the most popular Crosleys sold this year, the 1,150-lb. 1947 sedan drew the attention of just over 14,000 buyers and sold for less than $900. Today $1,900 will fetch an example in decent condition just like the one shown below.

1951 Crosley Hotshot, this model was the sport car entered in many races. This one is for sale by Country Classics, found the ad in Hemming Motor News.

1952 CROSLEY SCORPION ROADSTER RED w/ RED int. 4 CYLINDER The rarest Crosley in existance. The crosley scorpion is one of 30 produced by John Wells and Designed by Ralph Roberts a well known designer who was with LeBaron in the 1930's.the car is fully restored and just fabulous. The greatest microcar find yet ! $16,750 Stock No. 1821 (MARK I. HYMAN 314-524-6000)