1951 Crosley Super Sport Hot Shot Convertible

This Crosley Super Sport Hot Shot was built by Cincinnati industrialist Powell Crosley, Jr., at the time better-known for radios and refrigerators. The Crosley was also a car of many firsts including being America's first sports car, the first mass-production single overhead cam four-cylinder engine (SOHC), the first car with four-wheel disc brakes and also the first new company to begin automobile production after the end of World War II. Crosley’s initial slogan was simple, "Crosley a Fine Car."

While working on a U.S. Navy project during the war, Crosley used a block of brazed copper and sheet steel to develop the overhead cam four-cylinder known as the COBRA engine. Eventually, postwar cars were installed with these amazing 60 lb engines. Displacing 44 cubic inches, this five-main-bearing engine developed 26.5 hp at 5400 RPM. This engine was popular during the war in powering everything from Mooney Mite airplanes to truck refrigerators but it was also subject to electrolysis that resulted in holes developing in cylinders. The stamped copper-steel block was shortly updated to a cast-iron block designed and built by Crosley in 1949. Keeping the original dimensions, this engine's additional weight over the front wheels added much more stability to the vehicle.

After a string of initial successes, 1949 saw Crosley introduce their Hot Shot model. A trim level above the Hot Shot was added the following year called the Super Sport. Besides having better trim, the Super Sport also had a folding top. Later 1951 and 1952 Super Sports were distinguishable from the early Hot Shots by having full doors, while the Hot Shots had cut-down sides with either no doors or removable half doors. The first 'Super Hot Shot' for '49 was available at the low price of $849. With new styling that included integral fenders, a smooth hood, turn indicators (on sedans and convertibles) and sealed-beam headlights in upright pods the 1949 was by far the best – or 'Finest' car produced by Crosley. The main variances between the previous model and the Hot Shot was the 'Super' side script, the folding top rather than assembled and the red trim around the cockpit. Before 9" hydraulic brakes were installed in June, current roadsters came with 4-wheel Goodyear–Hawley aircraft-style disc brakes. This change was implemented due to the salt filled country roads that caused freezing-up problems with the brakes.

Unfortunately, Crosley's reputation for unstable engines affected future sales. America was not like Europe, in that the populace could largely afford more practical and/or luxurious modes of transportation. Crosley’s 1949 model was produced in only 7,431 units, a stunning drop from 19,000 units for the 1947 model and 29,000 of the '48s. However, Crosleys won the Index of Performance (speed, time, displacement and weight) at the Twelve-Hours of Sebring races as the Hotshot was sleek and speedy. On the track, the Hotshot was able to achieve 90 miles an hour and had reasonably good handling thanks to the impressive the semi-elliptical-spring front suspension and coil springs with rear quarter elipticals.

Offered here is a very late production 1951 Crosley Hot Shot Super Sports. With a full convertible top and opening doors, it is considerably more practical to use and enjoy than earlier versions. Fully and correctly restored throughout in a beautiful red with a matching red interior, this Hot Shot is perhaps one of the latest variants and the finest restorations available anywhere.