There’s a Crosley for you! America’s favorite small car

Brochure images from author’s collection.

If you prefer American cars over those from Europe, but still favor small over large, then consider owning a Crosley. Consider this: most Crosleys were about 145 inches long, which is just 12 feet in length; overall heights run around 49 inches, or about four-feet. Weight? Try about 1,155 pounds, which is nearly 500 pounds lighter than an MG Midget. Horsepower? Well, one certainly never bought a Crosley for its performance ability, but if you can live with 26.5 horsepower then all’s well.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, company founder and president, Powell Crosley, Jr. believed whole-heartedly in the American dream, and said: “I believe that every American who can afford any car should have an opportunity to buy a brand new, truly fine car.” One of the company brochures outlined his belief by stating: “And Mr. Crosley dreamed of a new type of car – a car not based on old-fashioned ideas or prejudices, but a new kind of car. A light car. A sensible car. A car that would do its job of getting you there economically and comfortably. The result: The new, fine Crosley.”

Speaking of being economical, thanks to the Crosley’s light weight the average model got between 35 to 55 miles per gallon. Even its engine was light in weight as this unique, compact powerplant featured a copper-brazed steel block of four small cylinders that displaced a mere 44 cubic inches. Oddly, it was called “COBRA”.

As you can see from this brochure, there were several distinctly different Crosley models: the most popular were the sedan ($882) and convertible ($882) – both accommodated four adults; a station wagon ($916) that also seated four adults and featured a removable rear seat for added cargo carrying ability; a quarter-ton pick-up ($839) with a drop-down tailgate; a panel delivery ($899) that was ideal for commercial use especially in crowded city streets; and the ever popular sports-utility ($799) with its canvas cover – this too had a quarter-ton capacity.  There was also the sporty Hot Shot, Super Sports and a roadster.

For such a small car company Crosley did big things, and they did it their way. They were American manufacturing rebels, and unlike all the mainstream manufacturers they were way ahead of their time.