We’ve written repeatedly about Powel Crosley, one of the more illustrious industrial inventors that the world has seen. This time we’ll skip directly to the car at hand since it needs significant help finding a new home and Mr. Crosley has already been treated to plenty of press. Here on craigslist is a 1952 Crosley Station Wagon, for sale at just $1,700. This car is located in Marshfield, Missouri. Thanks to Gunter K. for this tiny tip! This car – or pile of parts if you prefer to view it that way – needs a more invigorating description than what’s provided. For instance, several parts are missing but the seller hasn’t sorted through the car to see exactly what’s gone. The side trim “may” be inside. Definitively, however, the air filter is missing, and so are the title and the brakes, and “maybe” a bumper. Then from the ad: “Some parts may be missing over the years like the passenger bucket and rear seat.” Seats are not small, it’s not like you can lose one in the glove box. Either they are there, or not. I think we better assume not. The seller did install four new tires, and they’ve only rolled forty feet! So that’s worth something.

On the other hand, there is a quilted moving blanket inside. Parts cars and moving blankets just seem to go together for some reason. From this photo, you can see the window mechanism for roll-up windows. The radio is also still in the dash. The rear windows slide in channels. It also has a side-opening door in the rear, rather than the split tailgate.

The motor is Crosley’s Cast Iron Block Assembly (CIBA), displacing about 44 cu. in. and putting out about 26.5 bhp (that half a pony counts, when you’re talking in the twenties). The seller has never tried to start the engine but says it has fresh oil and antifreeze. This is another pain point: taking the time to ease the engine into operation could add value to this sale, but alas. On the other hand, the seller has a log from a prior owner of everything done to the car from 1979 through 1989, a charming bit of provenance, as the high-end auctioneers would say.

I can’t tell from the VIN if this is a Super wagon or not. The Super came with special trim including a propeller in the bumper, side trim, and a bird hood ornament. The photo above is for inspiration – this is a Super Woody. I’m hoping this little project will either be a donor or find a restorer. What would you do with it?