Vehicle Description
1950 Crosley Farm-O-Road Firetruck
Crosley was a small, independent American manufacturer of
subcompact cars, bordering on microcars. At first called the
Crosley Corporation and later Crosley Motors Incorporated, the
Cincinnati, Ohio, firm was active from 1939 to 1952, interrupted by
World War II production. Their station wagons were the most popular
model, but also offered were sedans, pickups, convertibles, a
sports car, and even a tiny jeep-like vehicle. For export, the cars
were badged Crosmobile. Crosley introduced several "firsts" in
American automotive history, including the first affordable,
mass-market car with an overhead camshaft engine in 1946; the first
use of the term 'Sport(s-) Utility' in 1947, for a 1948 model year
convertible wagon; and the first American cars to be fitted with
4-wheel caliper type disc brakes, as well as America's first
post-war sports car, the Hotshot, in the 1949 model year.
As I sit here in my ample chair and ponder on the past I think back
to the days of my youth when the county fair would be set up and
myself and my fellow children would hope and pray to ride in a
Crosley firetruck. So when I found out that a version, barn find
albeit, had arrived in our Hallowed Halls I donned my fire coat,
fire hat and breathed in a piece of my childhood.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
Small but mighty could best describe this vehicle. This example
comes to us in a barn find condition, in need of much loving and
care and looking the part of a ladder truck of yore used by the
local fire department. Much smaller scale and using the curved
hood, side flanking rounded integrated fenders and vertical oval
grille akin to a Jeep all finished in faded red. This example has
an extended wooden body and frame to allow room for passengers in
the back instead of a high reaching ladder. We note a ringable bell
for the driver to sound and a hose mounted on top behind the front
seats. Bringing up the rear passenger area are long running boards,
steel fenders in more red, and various lighting add ons. Red
painted 12-inch wheels with rusted chrome Crosley moon capped
centers are on the front, however the rear wheels are dual tired. A
single gray steel front bumper with peeling and rust is on the
front. The overall condition of the paint is poor with lots of
surface rust and peeling. We see the same peeling on the wooden
rear sides as well as some rotting of the wood.
Interior
Wide open top to the fresh air, we see 2 low back buckets covered
in the remnants of red vinyl. The naked area shows the underlying
padding and seat frames. These are fronted by a fabricated metal
dash and triangular support emanating from the dash to hold the
tall steering column and wheel. In the center is the utilitarian
dash with dual round gauges, the one on the left being a cluster
and the right the speedometer. Red painted steel and surface rust
make up the flooring. In the back are 2 long benches to carry many
passengers around the carnival.
Drivetrain
A lift of the mini hood reveals a 44ci 26.5hp cast-iron overhead
cam four-cylinder. This was a tiny, but very potent and
surprisingly durable engine. It had a very long production life
that surpassed Crosley by decades. The engine is backed up by a
three-speed Warner T-92 transmission with a 5.38 geared rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Leaf spring suspension, and drum brakes are noted on all 4's.
A conversion of sorts, ready for your capable hands to restore to
its former glory or let your imagination run wild, everyone tours
the big swap meets on a golf cart....dare to be different!
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
