There are numerous factors to take into consideration regarding what could be considered a good deal in the vintage auto market, and if having a large footprint isn’t high on your list, this 1948 Crosley CC Four might be a fun little attention getter for the money. For $4,500, this one seems like a lot of car for the investment, certainly not in size, but in quality, appearance, and hopefully readiness to get behind the wheel of and enjoy. This mini-mobile can be found here on Facebook Marketplace in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and it ticks some desirable boxes if you’re seeking r a small car for a small price. Nice find, NW Iowa Kevin, and thanks a lot for sending in the tip here!
Founded by Powell Crosley, Jr., Crosley Motors Incorporated began operations in 1939, manufacturing small automobiles until the company ceased operations in 1952. The CC Four was a post-war offering, with production running from 1946 through 1948, and this particular model is known as the fastback sedan. It’s said to have undergone a frame-off restoration, and while there’s no information about what this car looked like before, the exterior seems to be in excellent condition now. This one doesn’t quite qualify as a mini, but with an 80-inch wheelbase, it’s an uber-compact for sure, and check out that cool single light unit on the back!
It’s probably a plus that these cars are so small and light, since they don’t have much power under the hood. In the bay is a 44-cubic-inch inline-4, known as the CoBra, originally designed for military use in boats and aircraft. It first became available in automobiles in 1946, and with just 26.5 HP, it apparently took these vehicles nearly 40 seconds to reach 60 MPH from a standstill. The seller says the motor runs excellently, so as long as you’re not in a big hurry to reach a destination, this one will likely get you there slowly but surely.
Once inside, occupants will be surrounded by a somewhat minimalist interior, but the condition of the components in here appears to be strong. The steering wheel seems about as wide as the driver’s seat, and while the gauges are simple, they are also attractive, adequate, and get the job done. This seems like an interesting petite automobile, and at such an affordable price, I’m guessing this one will find a taker pretty quickly. What are your thoughts on this 1948 Crosley CC Four?
My thoughts are this car takes me back to my first real street car. Mine was a ’48 sedan on a ’49 chassis, white over light blue with ’39 Chevy taillights to augment the single unit. Fun to drive if you aren’t in a hurry.
Appears to be a great little car for someone who wants to get into a ‘classic’ at a low acquisition cost! Perfect for use around a development, though it doesn’t have the easiest access for groceries or golf clubs.
Question – I don’t see trafficators – does the driver have to make hand signals for turning??
Nicest one I’ve ever seen. I have only ever seen one Crosley. It was at the old Loring Air force installation doing land speed test runs. He was clocking in at roughly 60 mph. LOL!
Just guessing, but I’ll bet this has the CIBA (Cast Iron Black Assembly) engine, as the CoBra was prone to pretty drastic failure and many, if not most, were replaced, either by Crosley or owners.
Doesn’t matter, except that a CoBra-equipped Crosley is not only an extremely rare sight (and should be priced much higher) but one that should be driven sparingly, if at all.
Oh, and for Fahrvergnugen: My grandfather’s ’50 Chevy didn’t have turn signals either, until he bought and installed an accessory kit from Manny, Moe & Jack.
Ray, the ad states this car has the cast iron engine, an upgrade which should make this more reliable as a driver.
There used to be several Crosleys displayed at the arrivals terminal at CVG…they disappeared in the last couple of years. Powel Crosley’s family grave monument is beautiful, on a corner lot in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Powel Crosley was an interesting guy – besides making automobiles, he built airplanes and household appliances (especially radios), operated radio stations and eventually got into TV broadcasting, and he owned the Cincinnati Reds baseball team for 27 years. We even had a Crosley clothes dryer in our house when I was growing up.