1951 Crosley Hot Shot Roadster

Powell Crosley, Jr., owner of Crosley Broadcasting and the Cincinnati Reds, also wanted to sell cars of his own design. With help from his younger brother Lewis, a trained engineer, the first Crosley automobile was created and priced at just $250. Nearly 5,000 examples were built before America entered World War II and production ceased.

When Wartime ended, production resumed. In 1949, the Hot Shot roadster was introduced and is classified as America's first postwar sports car. These small vehicles carried a price tag of just $900, less than half the cost of Chevrolet's base model. They backed up their hefty 'sports car' title by winning the Index of Performance and taking overall victory at the first Sebring 6-hour race in 1950. Other victories included the 1951 Swiss Grand Prix and second in the 1951 Tokyo Grand Prix.

Engines built by Crosley were used to carry other racing specials, including those built by Bandini, Moretti, and Siata.

This Crosley Hot Shot has been given a complete restoration. It is finished in red with a black interior and equipped with a convertible top. There are four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, a wheelbase that measures 85 inches, and an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that displaces 44 cubic inches and produces nearly 27 horsepower.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the St John's Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $15,000 - $20,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $19,800, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011