Claiming that there are “none nicer” than a classic you have listed for sale is a bold strategy, but it is the one chosen by the current owner of this 1950 Crosley Hot Shot. However, scrutinizing the supplied photos leaves potential buyers with little to criticize. It would be unfair to describe it as a restoration, as the seller performed changes and upgrades as they sought to improve some aspects of the vehicle’s appearance and performance. They have listed the little Crosley here on eBay in Riverside, California. Bidding has raced past the reserve, sitting at $6,400 at the time of writing.
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1939, Crosley Motors Incorporated developed a reputation for producing cars that were considered tiny by any measure. They tended to be sparsely equipped as the company sought to maintain low sticker prices. It became aspirational in 1949 when it unveiled the Hot Shot. While slightly larger than other vehicles within the Crosley range, it was still almost small enough to fit into the trunk of many American production cars of the era. Okay, that is a slight exaggeration because with an overall length of 137 inches, the Hot Shot was longer than the original Mini. The seller treated this 1950 Hot Shot to a complete refurbishment, incorporating a few upgrades along the way. Its Sports Red paint shines beautifully, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The seller doesn’t mention a soft-top or side curtains, nor whether the car comes with doors that were incorporated into the Super version. The trim is in as-new condition, and the spare wheel cover, which matches the interior upholstery shade, is perfect.
Powering this Hot Shot is Crosley’s 724cc “CoBra” four that developed 26hp and 33 ft/lbs of torque when it left the factory. However, this motor might offer more, featuring twin carburetors and a few unspecified “Braje” upgrades. Nick Brajevich developed a reputation for extracting extraordinary performance from those little motors, so this Hot Shot could be a surprise packet when the subject turns to performance. The original three-speed manual transmission has made way for a four-speed unit, and it is fair to expect that the additional ratio will help this classic’s cause. The seller indicates that this Crosley is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. That makes it a turnkey proposition that will provide immediate classic motoring gratification.
The interior reflects Crosley’s drive toward affordability. This car features the optional AM radio but would have been considered pretty sparse otherwise. The seller performed a few upgrades during their build, equipping the interior with leather trim. The seat backs include embroidered Crosley logos as a wonderful luxury touch, and the floors wear contrasting Black carpet. Once again, the presentation is first-rate, with no evidence of wear or other shortcomings.
Introducing the Hot Shot in 1949 was an aspirational move by Croisley, considering it had built its reputation on small and affordable vehicles. However, it found buyers and proved to be a giant-killer in the cut-and-thrust of motorsport. This 1950 example isn’t original, with the seller improving its performance and adding a luxurious feel. This classic has attracted twenty-eight bids, and with fifty-four people adding it to their Watch List, there is scope for the price to climb. “None nicer?” Do you think that description is accurate? If so, would you consider making a play for this pocket rocket?
Although it is cool as all get-out, being T-boned or even god forbid, a rollover, I’m not certain I’d ever get behind the wheel. And man, I’ve definitely wrecked some cars….
It wouldn’t want to experience a serious collision in any classic. Even in a large car, the engine can unexpectedly arrive in the passenger compartment, the steering column crush your heart, and radio knobs impale your skull.
You can be pretty certain the occupants of an MG TC would fare no better, and in daily use, I wonder how the Hot Shot would compare with the MG? Lighter weight aerodynamic body, hydraulic disc brakes (first in the industry) would all be advantages, and the car did score a Sebring win
Wow!!! I am going to go out on a limb here and say I think this is the nicest Crosley Hotshot I’ve ever seen, either here, or anywhere else. This restoration looks absolutely top notch. I know Adam said ” Little to criticize “, bit quite frankly I dont see anything to criticize. This is just so nicely restored and absolutely terrific upgrades. As to what 8 Banger said above, I agree in that I don’t think I’d drive it on any highways or busy roads. Maybe, a huge maybe, some back twisty windy roads that are less traveled. Because I know I’d enjoy driving this this little Hot Shot around. But I’d like to keep it nice, and me alive for a bit as well. The way people drive these days is absolutely ridiculous. And its only getting worse. This would be a blast on a closed track. This is a great find and a great write up Adam, thank you, I enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words, Driveinstile. I tend to be careful about describing any classic as perfect because a close inspection will almost always reveal some minor flaw. However, I do view this Crosley as close to perfect, and I wouldn’t mind parking it in my garage. I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles because we sure enjoy writing them.
Hi Adam. I’ve been a member for a little while now and over time it feels like I’m getting to know all of the writers different personalities. I truly appreciate all the time and research you all put into your articles. It shows that you enjoy what you do in how it comes out in your writing. I couldn’t begin to fathom the hours you all must spend to get the correct information before writing them.
Barnfinds is a bit of an esacape for me, especially after a long day at work, and I enjoy it tremendously. I think I can safely say I speak for many here when I say…
Thank you again for all your hard work and the great articles too from you and everyone.
Dave
Not even on a road course. I thought I’d race it when I bought this Crosley (Some Crosley?). No, I think the rest of my racing years are with a tin top and a 10 point cage.
This How Shot is the nicest Crosley I’ve ever seen. The exhaust pipe and Braje stuff on the motor could double the HP.
Good write-up Adam, and I agree with Driveinstile’s comments. It looks to be in great shape. The performance upgrades are welcome, and the leather upgrades look good. I’m of the same mindset: given busy road conditions and risk-taking drivers, beyond puttering around the subdivision I’m not sure where I would drive it.
Perfect beach car.
Golf course?
I owned two Berkeley T60s and drove them as my daily drivers and did a couple of 500 mile roundtrips in them…and I think they are smaller than this lovely Crosley.That said it was before the days of giant SUV’s and cell phones but I’d still take this out on the lovely twisties all around Sonoma and Napa counties and drive it in the Breakfast Club Rally ( a Crosley is about the only car I havent see in the rally..the antithesis of the 1930 blower Bentley entered in the last one!)I just love cars like this and would be proud to own it but lack of room stops me..I wonder what it will finally go for and ,BTW,love the write up..great job
A good choice for us oldsters considering that our motorcycles are getting harder and harder to handle. Better’n some goofy Harley trike if you ask me. Probably more comfy.
Crosley cars were all over the place in my youth — then had all-but disappeared by around 1960. Nothing else fit into their class. I often listened to Crosley Radio, WLW-700 in Concinnati (they were known for their radios before they made their tiny cars). I would be too arthritic to climb down into this one, and then climb back out. And even if I trusted other drivers, this car is so beautiful that I would be afraid to drive it. My 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis, at 390,000+ miles, has never been hit (except in parking lots); however, my mechanic, who is only 71, told me when he changed the oil recently, “I refuse to let you put another dime into this car: it is worn-out and it needs a new engine and transmission (among other things). Stick a fork in it — it’s DONE — you need another car.” This Crosley would be so loveable to own — and so impractical, too! Great write-up! Great little car! I’ve never seen a Crosley this nice — even when they were new. I only saw a few Hot Shots. I saw more of the original ’39s with their “bug-eyes” head lamps. Most of the everyday Crosleys around me were in the 1947-1949 models, some having window-screening (or, something like it) for front grilles. Those were the most common back then, and the least seen, now. THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving THIS old man interesting vehicles to muse about and imagine owning and driving, or simply to appreciate for what they were and are. Hemming’s Motor News right over here in Vermont ought to buy this one and put it on display!
Crosley cars were all over the place in my youth — then had all-but disappeared by around 1960. Nothing else fit into their class. I often listened to Crosley Radio, WLW-700 in Concinnati (they were known for their radios before they made their tiny cars). I would be too arthritic to climb down into this one, and then climb back out. And even if I trusted other drivers, this car is so beautiful that I would be afraid to drive it. My 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis, at 390,000+ miles, has never been hit (except in parking lots); however, my mechanic, who is only 71, told me when he changed the oil recently, “I refuse to let you put another dime into this car: it is worn-out and it needs a new engine and transmission (among other things). Stick a fork in it — it’s DONE — you need another car.” This Crosley would be so loveable to own — and so impractical, too! Great write-up! Great little car! I’ve never seen a Crosley this nice — even when they were new. I only saw a few Hot Shots. I saw more of the original ’39s with their “bug-eyes” head lamps. Most of the everyday Crosleys around me were in the 1947-1949 models, some having window-screening (or, something like it) for front grilles. Those were the most common back then, and the least seen, now. THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving THIS old man interesting vehicles to muse about and imagine owning and driving, or simply to appreciate for what they were and are. Hemming’s Motor News right over here in Vermont ought to buy this one and put it on display!
Cincinnati — I couldn’t edit it, because ads drive me off the screen, and when I got back on, the “edit” option was GONE! So frustrating!!!
Cincinnati — I couldn’t edit it, because ads drive me off the screen, and when I got back on, the “edit” option was GONE! So frustrating!!!
Powel Crosley’s motto was, “Keep it simple.” An’ it don’t come any simpler than semi-elliptics forward, QUARTER-elliptics aft, the antithesis of four-wheel independent suspensions.
Give me a FIAT 600-based Abarth 850TC Berlina any day- IFS, semi-trailing arm IRS, doors, wind-up windows, seating for four, blah, blah, blah. Oh, and a steel roof!
Bought my first 600 in ’58 after seeing a couple of them that had been rolled up into a ball… and from both of which the drivers had walked away from the dimensionally intact passenger compartment unscathed, even before seatbelts! FIAT S.p.A. was one of the pioneers in crash testing…. never got into it myself, however, the crash testing, that is.
Oh, the Crosley did have an OHC engine. Gotta give it that much.
Does is come with an optional raincoat?
I restored one several years ago. This is a real Bargen. It is perfect for touring on PCH here in So. Cal. Disc brakes too. …………..Jim.
I restored one several years ago. This is a real Bargen. It is perfect for touring on PCH here in So. Cal. Disc brakes too. …………..Jim.
I restored one several years ago. This is a real Bargen. It is perfect for touring on PCH here in So. Cal. Disc brakes too. …………..Jim.
Wasn’t Crosley using a cast iron engine by 1950?
’49 was the first iron year and a change to bodies like headlights in the fenders, two taillights. etc.
I’m just finishing a 1959 BERKELEY now. Same size with a front wheel drive Excelsior 3. ……….Jim.
I’m just finishing a 1959 BERKELEY now. Same size with a front wheel drive Excelsior 3. ……….Jim.
I’m just finishing a 1959 BERKELEY now. Same size with a front wheel drive Excelsior 3. ……….Jim.
Jim Liberty..just love your Berk.I loved mine and would love to see yours cruising around the Ca Wine Country..what a stunning design..
Come visit my shop in Costa Mesa. I’m here 7 days a week. Just starting on a 1953 Sunbeam Talbot Alpine MK I. You can see one in the movie “To Catch a Thief”. Jim