Racing machinery typically leads a hard-and-fast life. Their creators build them to be as competitive as possible and maintain them meticulously to maximize reliability. However, when they can no longer threaten victory, many are unceremoniously scrapped after being stripped of valuable components. This 1949 Crosley Midget Racer is a dirt-track veteran that has avoided that fate. Beautifully restored, it could be an affordable option for those wishing to park a vintage racer in their workshop. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Crosley listed here on eBay in Mesa, Arizona. The seller set their auction to open at $3,500, but has received no bids. However, there is a BIN option of $8,994 for those who find this gem irresistible.
As any enthusiast will acknowledge, weight is the enemy of performance. This is particularly true in racing as owners strive to squeeze every last drop of speed from their machinery. The creator started this build with a 1949 Crosley frame, a component renowned for its lightness. They continued that theme with panels pressed from aluminum, so two people could potentially lift the car off the floor bare-handed. The presentation is superb, from the sparkling Tiffany Blue paint to the crisp, period-correct decals. The panels are excellent, and the racer rolls on White 12″ steel wheels, wrapped in NANCO tires. The windshield might seem like a strange feature to some, but it offers protection from stones and mud thrown up by the wheels of other cars during the heat of battle.
Crosley’s engines may have been modest, but they achieved some very respectable racing success. The 724cc CIBA powerplant in this beauty would have generated around 28hp when it left the factory. However, that figure could jump sharply with the right tuning and attention to detail. This four wears a Tillotson high-performance carburetor, with spent gases exiting via a header and a side exhaust. While most modern dirt-track open-wheelers feature direct drive, this beast sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed Crosley manual transmission. It is unclear whether this classic runs or drives, but the restoration standard suggests that it should.
Dirt-track competition was fierce during the post-war years and remains so today. The biggest difference is that it is now relatively safe: drivers are strapped in with five- or six-point harnesses, rollover protection is typically second to none, and fireproof suits, helmets, and HANS devices help maximize safety. When this Crosley hit the track, it was a different era. Many drivers felt that being “thrown” from their car during a rollover was the best option, especially since there was nothing above their heads to protect them. Therefore, it is unsurprising to discover that while this Crosley’s seat looks supportive, there is nothing there to strap the driver into place. However, the condition is excellent. The Black vinyl is free from wear, the painted surfaces are spotless, and the wheel will make flinging this baby into the turns pretty effortless. The dash houses standard Crosley gauges, which would be potentially hard to read in the heat of battle. Still, this racer emerged during a different era, so anything is possible.
I hung up my helmet for the final time in 2015, acknowledging that there were too many younger, braver racers than me and that I would probably be merely making up the numbers. I built my car with the best parts and knew that in the right hands, it could easily be a winner. Choosing to sell was painful, but I wanted to give someone the thrill of pushing a car to its limits. Watching the buyer load it up and drive away was immensely sad, although I saw it as a new chapter for the vehicle that I had cherished and enjoyed. Today, all that remains of my pride and joy is its motor, with the rest of the car scrapped during the past decade. Sadly, that is the fate of many such vehicles, but this 1949 Crosley Midget has defied the odds. There is a growing movement within the classic world to preserve vintage racers, as demonstrated by this beauty. Therefore, if you have always longed to own a car of this type, it could be an affordable way to make that dream a reality.
First of all, I think most of us when we “hang something up for the last time”, is an important time in ones life, one not forgotten all that easily. I still feel that way about trucking. If you hang around here long enough, you get to know who the writers are. I never knew the author was into racing, DOWN UNDER? No way, just kidding, that’s how sheltered us Yanks were.
2nd, I looked at this as mere toy, but come to research more, this is what is called a “3/4 Midget”, or “TQs” and was very popular after the war. 1/4 Midgets had lawn mower engines, and were the ones for kids, but these had some real racing, and definitely not for kids. I read, other motors included, but not limited to, H-D Twins, small Continental, or even 500cc JAP singles, and provided plenty of action. I read, a 3/4 Midget can do up to 130 mph! Normally in a racing venue, 65-70 is not uncommon, and would surely require restraints of some kind. I think it was better on a bike to be thrown off, but better to stay with the car here. This car belongs in a museum, or some sprawling estate on the east side of the Hudson, but be a shame to mess it up. Cool feature, and I’d like to hear more of the authors racing shenanigans! Pics too!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Howard. I was a dirt-track racer, and a Wingless Sprintcar was my weapon of choice. I enjoyed it immensely and focused more on having fun than winning. That’s why stopping was a tough call, but my body told me the moment had arrived. I can honestly say that I quit while I was enjoying it, not when it became a drag. I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles.
Thanks Adam, very cool, THAT’S RACING! We had a dirt midget track near my hometown, Angell Park in Sun Prairie, Wis., 1/3 mile dirt and some high action. We found out why nobody sat in the 1st 5 rows!
I sure do enjoy the site, to the tune of almost 19,000 posts!
I put my helmet away in 2014 after acheiving the 50 year mark in racing. My last race was the first race for Noah Gragson, now in the cup series.
G’day Adam … did you ever come to Victoria and race at Tracy’s speedway in Ascot Vale? I remember Tracy’s because I’m an 80yo ! LOL
Four years ago, I submitted a Chevy-powered Sprint car to Fast Finds and Adam featured it, writing: “A few years ago, I decided to hang up my helmet after spending my Saturday nights driving fast and turning left on dirt. My weapon of choice was a Wingless Sprint Car, and I continue to miss the experience to this day.” Adam, it’s not too late, I’m sure you can still find a way to “drive fast and turn left”!
I have to wonder if this has any racing history or was actually built as a fancy “toy”? The Crosley gauges — who needs a speedo on track? — and the lack of any noticeable speed equipment on the engine — Nick Braje turned these little engines into screamers — suggest it was built more for fun and show than speed.
It’d sure be fun to kick up some dirt with it, though it’s too pretty to cover in rock chips and mud. If I had a back yard that had space for a small oval, I’d be very tempted.
Wouldn’t invite Adam, though. He has probably forgotten more than I ever knew about racing, and I really don’t like being beaten!
For me, I would take advantage of inviting Adam by “going to school” and learning how he sets up his car and looking at his racing line and watching him handle the corners. Of course, I would have a number of opportunities to watch him as he repeatedly laps me!
Thank you both for your kind words. Racing was enormous fun (unless you hit the concrete!), and I’ve included a photo of me in action beneath Howard’s feedback. I was always told that there were two types of racers in my category: Those who had rolled it and those who were going to. I ended my career in the latter category, never having joined the old “blue/green/blue/green” club. My last race was in 2015, and I can still remember the exact suspension setup and even the tire pressures from my final race. It seems once it’s in your blood, it’s there for life.
Good points regarding the value.
If it was a verifiable chassis (engines are usually long gone) driven by Foyt or Andretti or similar, in authentic livery, with correct engine and gear, then the numbers would get a bit crazy.
Always good to understand what you are buying and not buying.
Giving up racing was quite hard in one way, but quite easy in another – no more on-the-edge thrills, but I stopped while still enjoying it because I could see the end approaching and didn’t want to not enjoy it!
Same applies to bands, too; the buzz of being on stage is similar.
On a small-engined single-seater theme, my brother-in-law is taking part in his first hillclimb this weekend in an Austin 7 – based car. It’s quite a creation.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Derek. I agree with your thoughts. I didn’t know it was my last race when I stepped out of the car; I made the decision a few weeks later. My body was telling me that the time was right, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it until the final moment. It was the right way to bow out, and while I miss the experience, I don’t regret retiring when I did.
Adam!! I am going to say this is one of my most favorite write ups from you. Not just because I think this little Crosley race car is fantastic, but because I got to learn something new about you as a person. Listening to your body, and knowing when to stop must have been a very difficult decision for you, and I totally respect that. Thank you for your photo too, I enjoyed it. I would love to own this, never to attempt to race it, but I’d have some fun running it through the gears. The job they did building this is phenomenal. Everything looks perfect. Once again, this is a Fantastic write up Adam, please, please, please keep them coming. I think I speak for the vast majority here saying we always enjoy your write ups.
-Dave
Wow! That is wonderful to hear. You’re so kind that you’re making me blush. I’m passionate about classic cars, and I credit my late father for igniting that desire. I love writing for Barn Finds and have always considered my role primarily to entertain our readers. It seems I am achieving that goal, and feedback like yours inspires me to keep going. I hope that you continue to enjoy my work for many years.
I’m in the process of finishing my last race car and can’t wait to get it on the Sebring race track. My old carcass is hinting it’s getting time to quit but my brain says I still know what I’m doing on a race track. Don’t think I will press the test button because I’ve certainly had a ton of fun since that SCCA autocross on the local air field at 15 years old. Keep up your good work Adam. BTW, do you have your race car hanging on your garage wall?
That is a great picture Bobhess!!!
Joliet Midgets Sante Fe dirt track stocks………Just about totally gone. When I was a young lad my gran pa would take us to see the midgets. I dreamed of having one and being a winner. Now my dreams are just floating in the clouds. You can’t even find midget racing anymore. All gone and now play with your phone and Cyber Race or Gran Theft Auto took over I guess. Wish I had a shop to put it in……..lol
Michael – I don’t know about your area of the country, but midget racing is still quite active in the Midwest.
sycamore speedway still runs on clay and it is a blast
I wonder what it would take to make this street-legal. Headlights, taillights, turn-signals, seatbelt….
I know the sad feeling of your race car leaving your driveway. Autocross, ice racing, showroom stock, pro-rally and track days (which was my last adventures) I even did one stock car race. (1/2 mile banked oval) By the time I figured out how to keep the competition from spinning me out in the corners. The race was over. Unfortunately I didn’t give up. My race car partner wanted out. And because my fun funds are tied up building a new house, was not able to buy him out. My body has told me that pro-rally is out, but not road course fun. Looking to build a track day car soon. As the withdrawal symptoms are tough to deal with!
I come about the love of racing honorably. Dad used to race the convertible races at Raceway Park in the Chicago area. I still have a picture hanging on the wall in my garage. I remember waving a souvenir checkered flag at the races at age 4.
All the expressed interest in dirt racing may I humbly invite one and all to visit the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing in York Springs, PA , a stones throw Williams Grove Speedway and Gettysburg, PA. While it pays homage to the PA Posse and the World of Outlaws it displays other forms of auto racing too. If you’re in the East stop by. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. And it’s free.
I remember watching the midgets race when I was young and living in Bloomsburg, PA. Here’s a video of a restored midget racer from the early 70’s that used to race there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j67C_iIgSY
Friday night 7 o’clock Caldwell nj pine brook stadium the 60,s and 70,s
oldster here too.
I stay in the only way I can – setting up chassis for others still on the track or strip. The head wrk – geometry ’n math, mig gun and rest are a fun way to get out of maintenance and rest0mods…