Based on a Crosley convertible, the Almquist was a customized roadster with a fiberglass body. This may be a one-of-a-kind car, although if you search on Google you run across at least two of these, including the seller’s car. This 1948 runabout popped up on Barn Finds in 2015 when it was for sale in Ohio. Now it’s in St. Peters, Missouri, and – given that the scrapes in the paint are in the same places after seven years – we assume the same automobile is ready to trade hands again. Available here on Facebook Marketplace, the asking price is $10,000. Thanks for the 2022 tip, T.J.!
From a variety of angles, the Crosley Almquist looks like a mini-Corvette, as all Crosley’s were microcars. The body and other adjustments to the car are the product of Almquist Engineering, which was owned by speed pioneer, Ed Almquist. Some of his more notable work includes developing early aftermarket speed parts, like working with Hurst on the Hurst shifter. He also invented the “log-style” intake manifold used with multiple carburetor set-ups. More on what we uncovered about Ed and the car can be found here on Barn Finds.
The seller says he bought the car in 2015, so if it’s from the craigslist listing then, the asking price was $8,900. That’s not a lot of appreciation for seven years. We’re told there is a Cobra 4-cylinder engine under the hood that has a displacement of under one liter with a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller believes it was once used as a race car but has a street set-up now with headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers. It doesn’t run and there is no mention as to what might rectify that situation.
Apparently, Almquist wasn’t about making cars like this necessarily faster, but to give them better handling by reducing weight wherever possible and improving their stopping ability. Given that the car looks about the same as it did the last time we saw it, we’re guessing not a lot of headway has been made to get it back on the road. But these were simple cars, so perhaps the work won’t be exhausting or expensive to undertake.
Would be nice to have at least one picture to tell you what the car really looks like. Must have used a drone for the pictures. Don’t see anything here to justify the asking price.
The interior pic has such a weird camera angle. I’m guessing the seat back is 4ft high. Anyway, the upright windshield makes it look like an oversized pedal car. I’d rather have the other 1948 mini car that was on BF last year.
https://barnfinds.com/update-can-you-id-this-small-1948-roadster/
I wonder what’s going on with that car?
Nice job, Russ!
bobhess, I have a new rule: I can’t read your comments with a mouthful of coffee anymore. When I read the drone line I just about lost it. That’s gold, I may have to borrow that line. (while giving proper attribution, of course)
Scotty…. Those comments must come from my outer being which I have no control over. It speaks the truth and I deny everything.
Well, I like it. Crosleys hold a special place in my heart.
This one would hold a special place in your wallet too if you wanted to fix it up.
I like Crosleys too. My first car was a Crosley that I paid $39 for, thus my comment on the asking price of this one.
Special place may be anatomically a bit lower than the heart. I think I’ve seen this one in a Shriner’s parade with a clown…..
Cute, but not 10k cute. 5k, go to the car shows and let kids sit in it and take pictures. Good way to keep the hobby going IMHO.
Nice write up Russ. I am a lifelong friend and former employee of Ed Almquist. Sadly he died a few years ago at age 93. I went to high school with his youngest son and then we were roommates at Penn State in the mid 1970s. Ed taught me plenty about cars and how to properly care for them. I bet his son would be interested in this car.
Almquist also sold car kits out of Popular Mechanics magazine. The was one in a field nearby with a nailhead V8 in it, in the 1980’s. It was since scrapped.