Powel Crosley was one of the most colorful and accomplished characters ever to set his mind to making a car. While most automotive scions were single-minded, Crosley was a jack of all trades, and master of some. From radios to the Cincinnati Reds, auto parts to the Icyball non-electric refrigerator, Crosley had his hand in many pots. But his first love was autos. After a few attempts, he finally achieved his personal magnum opus when he introduced the first mass-produced Crosley in 1939. The car did not sell well, but mechanical improvements and new attention to gas mileage boosted Crosley’s fortunes somewhat after the war. Unfortunately, tides rapidly shifted and Americans became enamored of large luxury cars with fancy technology, leaving little Crosley in the dust. Over its years of existence, Crosley sold more station wagons than any other body type. Here on craigslist is a 1952 Crosley Station Wagon project, with an asking price of $1,995. This little guy is located in Marshfield, Missouri. Thanks, Gunter, for the tip! Note that this car does not have a title.

Late-production Crosleys were powered by a 724 cc cast iron block assembly (CIBA) motor making about 26 bhp. This engine was unique: rather than a removable cylinder head, its crankcase was removable and the rest of the engine was cast as a single piece. This engine actually outlasted the Crosley motor company, as successive manufacturers altered it for marine use, and European sports car companies such as Bandini, Nardi, and Siata used it for racing. Alas, this motor is not ready to go racing at all – it doesn’t run. The air filter housing is missing. The car does roll on brand new tires but has no brakes. The car comes with a maintenance book from one previous owner showing detailed records from 1979 to 1989.

I sincerely wish sellers would try a little harder on the photo front. This glimpse of the interior is enough to say the dash is straight. The gear shift lever controls a three-speed transmission. Here’s another interior photo, which seems to highlight the moving blanket more than anything. The seller does mention that some parts have gone missing, like the passenger seat and the rear bench seat.

Speaking of missing parts, a few items are resting in the back of the vehicle, such as a bumper, a grille, and side trim. The buyer will no doubt become familiar with Service Motors, THE Crosley parts depot. With several months’ work, a few bucks, and guidance from the Crosley Auto Club, this station wagon could shine. And, it doesn’t take up much space! What do you think – is it worth it?