Variety is the spice of life, and you certainly can’t say that you don’t get that at Barn Finds. We see plenty of desirable muscle and pony cars crossing our desks, but this 1951 Crosley Super Sport sits at the other end of the scale. This pocket-size classic runs and drives, and with the seller offering it with No Reserve, it could be an affordable project candidate. You will find the Super Sport listed here on eBay in Oakville, Connecticut. The seller set their auction to open at $3,500, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
Founded in 1939, Crosley Motors developed a reputation for producing small and affordable vehicles featuring such technical innovations as four-wheel caliper-style disc brakes and overhead cam engines. It introduced the HotShot Roadster in 1949, with a Super version joining the range in 1950. The HotShot Super became the Super Sport in 1951, the year our feature car rolled off the line in Marion, Indiana. The seller provides little information surrounding the car’s history, but I am sure that the current paint color isn’t original. The engine bay features what appears to be a shade similar to Sequoia Cream, which featured on that year’s color palette. The existing paint is tired and shows evidence of checking across many surfaces. Therefore, the winning bidder will probably elect to strip the panels to bare metal during the restoration. Of course, when a classic is as tiny as this Crosley, that isn’t a major undertaking. The panels are quite straight, and the seller states that the vehicle is rock-solid. So far, this Super Sport looks like a winner.
The Super Sport’s engine may be an OHC four with a capacity of only 724cc and a power output of 26.5hp, but it is a surprise packet. The curb weight of 1,180 lbs is exceptionally light, with the factory claiming a top speed of 75mph. It isn’t going to set the pavement alight at the local drag strip, but it is still pretty accomplished for such a tiny vehicle. However, searching online will unearth plenty of upgraded engine components that will boost power and improve performance. Such upgrades are surprisingly common and are one reason why these motors have tasted considerable motorsport success. The seller recently rebuilt this Crosley’s water pump and fitted a new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and brake hoses. They say that the car runs and drives very well, but currently sips its fuel from a one-gallon can. They say that the tank needs flushing and lining before the buyer hits the road for longer journeys.
One reason Crosley experienced a reasonable level of sales success was vehicle affordability. To achieve this, the company didn’t load cars like the Super Sport with many interior luxury features. Buyers could specify items like a radio, but apart from a set of gauges to monitor the car’s health and progress, things were pretty spartan inside a Crosley. This Super Sport’s interior is complete, but it is begging for a retrim. The upholstered surfaces are serviceable, but look very tired. I located one supplier who sells complete kits for approximately $1,200. If the buyer refreshed the painted surfaces and fitted one of those kits, the inside of this Super Sport would look pretty nice.
This 1951 Crosley Super Sport has been on the market for only a day, but eighteen people have already added it to their Watch List. That demonstrates something that has become more apparent recently: these cars enjoy a healthy following in the classic market. It is unlikely ever to become a mega-bucks proposition, but it could provide its new owner with exceptional motoring fun for the price. If you’ve ever owned a Crosley Super Sport, are you tempted to make a play for this 1951 example? I wish you luck if you do.
Wow! Two Crosleys in the same week! That’s gotta be a record! Where are they all coming from?
@RoadDog
I was going to express the same thing. Seems like all of a sudden Crosleys are coming out of the woodwork!
For what it doesn’t look like, 4 wheel disc brakes, overhead cam, one piece block/head made these engines bullet proof. Any valve work has to be done through the bottom of the block. As I’ve said before, the race engines ran up to 10,000 rpm and we’re talking the ’40s and ’50s!
RoadDog beat me to it. Where are these Crosleys coming from? This is great!!! It would be great to see it restored in its original cream color. Looks pretty complete right down to having its hubcaps.
I remember seeing a photo of Frank Lloyd Wright riding in one of these, it was part of his interesting collection of automobiles. I think the car is on display somewhere.
Great car Ted! Should bring at least twice the opening bid
I know the fellow who is selling both of these Crosleys. He has close to 20, if not more and he’s thinning out the collection. I may assist on some of them.
the crosley’s were pretty kouwell if liken minis (I do). The mule, p/u, pup, wagon, hot shot ( 1st merican ‘sports car’ post-war ) but the indy LeMans tops ‘em all (even had the 2 lill carb stacks stickin up) but any w/a post CoBra motor is fine (ie CIBA only).
I think “…they’re comin out of the woodwork…” due to generational nature of collectin. The gen for this car are going out. Time for the ’80’s/90s cars to be sought out (ie 40’n 50 y/o folks seekin ‘a classic’).
This is the car that Ralph Nader would later state was “the safest car in America” ;-)
Knew a woman at college whose father loved the cars so much he named her brother Crosley.
Cool little car but at first glance it looked like a kids pedal car!
Like to know how wide a Crosley is? My van has 52″ between inside fender wells. I haul mostly motorbikes, however a Auto Red Bug and my Eshelman both fit. Thank you !
Offered “without reserve”, but required opening bid $3,500? So, wouldn’t that mean reserve?