Vehicle Description
This 1952 Crosley Hook and Ladder Fire Truck was reportedly built
originally by Overland Amusements as a children's amusement park
ride and is the beneficiary of extensive, award-winning frame-off
restoration that looks absolutely gorgeous! The Crosley story began
as early as 1907 when Cincinnati industrialist and entrepreneur
Powel Crosley, Jr. first attempted to enter the automotive world.
His initial ventures-the Marathon Six and the DeCross cycle-car-saw
limited success and were discontinued by 1909 and 1913
respectively. After a decades-long hiatus, Crosley returned to car
manufacturing with the debut of the Crosley automobile in 1939, a
compact, European-inspired economy car known for its excellent fuel
efficiency and affordability. In 1940, Crosley expanded its lineup
to include light-duty trucks-though "light-duty" in this case
referred to ultra-compact trucks meant to replace bicycle couriers,
not to compete with heavy-duty haulers. These mini trucks were
ideal for small deliveries and utility tasks within cities or
factory environments. Like many U.S. automakers, Crosley paused
civilian vehicle production during World War II to support the war
effort. When production resumed in 1947, Crosley trucks returned,
now officially rated as quarter-ton utility vehicles-smaller than
the standard half-ton trucks of the era. One of the most
interesting chapters in Crosley's legacy came with its miniature
fire trucks, built for industrial use and even amusement rides.
Starting in the late 1940s, Overland Amusements converted roughly
100 Crosley trucks into Hook and Ladder amusement rides, where a
Crosley towed a rideable fire truck-themed trailer. These trailers
were produced in both bumper-pull and rare gooseneck
configurations, with the latter believed to exist in single-digit
numbers today. This particular gooseneck example comes to us from a
wonderful steward of nearly 20 years who not only undertook this
Crosley Fire Truck's extensive, award-winning professional
restoration but also exhibited the truck at countless Concours
D'Elegance caliber events where it achieved very high marks and
awards. Under the hood on this 1952 Crosley Fire Truck is a "Cobra"
44 cubic inch overhead valve inline 4 cylinder engine fed by a
single barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced
26.5 horsepower when new. The OHV inline 4 is mated to a smooth
shifting 3 speed manual transmission that makes this gorgeous
attraction an absolute hoot to drive. Power is sent from 26.5
horsepower power plant to the truck's rear axle that is outfitted
with dually wheels on either side that provide ample traction while
towing. Speaking of towing, this '51 Crosley Amusement Ride truck
pulls a matching gooseneck trailer with dually rear wheels and it
provides seating for at least 20 children and adults on
meticulously restored wooden benches. Additionally, the trailer is
trimmed with beautiful decorative wooden ladders, period correct
hoses and nozzles, beautifully polished axes, a bell, and of
course, period-correct gold leaf lettering just as one would expect
to see on a vintage fire truck. Further adding to the outstanding
look of this Crosley Hook and Ladder Fire Truck is the matching
gold leaf lettering and pinstripes that adorn the cab's doors,
fenders, and hood, along with several "Kiddie Fire Dept" badges, a
rooftop mounted spinning beacon light, and cowl-mounted siren.
Riding on blackwall bias-ply tires mounted on ivory painted steel
wheels and accented with polished chrome Crosley-branded hubcaps,
this 1952 Hook and Ladder ride has a gorgeous period correct look.
The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this Crosley is in
show-quality condition and further elevates the exterior look of
this award-winning truck from every angle. The entire steel-bodied
exterior of this Crosley Hook and Ladder rig has been refinished in
an iconic Fire Engine Red paint that wonderfully complements the
golden "Kiddie Fire Department" livery accents. On the inside, this
1952 Crosley Hook and Ladder Fire Truck does not disappoint! The
driver's and passenger's bucket seats have been redone in beautiful
red upholstery and the floors are tastefully covered with black
rubber flooring. The door panels were refinished in a two-tone
color scheme consisting of red and silver, that wonderfully
complement the silver painted steering wheel and red painted dash.
The Crosley-branded instrument cluster includes a 70 MPH
speedometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, amp gauge, and
fuel gauge. Whether you're buying your first classic truck and you
want to be the talk of the town, or you're adding to your existing
collection of unique classic cars, this 1952 Crosley Hook and
Ladder Fire Truck is an extra special piece and would make an
excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*"Cobra" 44 Cu. In. OHV Inline 4
*Single Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmissions
*Super Fun & Unique Display Piece
*Seats at least 20 Children & Adults
*Multi-Time Concours Winner
*Refinished in Fire Engine Red w/ "Kiddie Fire Department" Gold
Livery
*Red Bucket Seat Interior w/ Silver Trim
*Trimmed with Vintage Fire Fighting Equipment
*Rooftop Beacon Light & Siren Work Great!
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 188 Miles
