Micro americana: 1952 Crosley Super Sport

According to the seller, this example was stored for over thirty years in a climate-controlled environment and has recently undergone mechanical recommissioning. The seller states that the engine starts reliably, maintains correct oil pressure, and that the charging system operates as expected. The vehicle currently has no functioning brakes, and the seller notes that the entire braking system will need to be inspected and rebuilt before use.

Crosley automobiles were produced by Powel Crosley Jr., an industrialist known for consumer electronics and household appliances. The company’s automotive division aimed to offer cars that differed from standard American models of the time: smaller, lighter, and more economical. The Super Sport was introduced toward the end of Crosley’s production run and incorporated the company’s CIBA four-cylinder engine, a compact unit derived from military applications and known for its stamped-steel construction. This Super Sport retains its original layout and components. The interior, finished in red, shows age-related wear but appears complete. The exterior panels and windshield frame match the model’s original configuration, and the seller confirms that the car includes its canvas top and side curtains. The engine bay presents an unmodified layout, consistent with period specifications, and the rear-mounted spare wheel and Crosley-branded hubcaps are still present.

Given the limited production numbers and the short lifespan of the Crosley automobile division, surviving Super Sport models are not commonly found on the market, particularly in unrestored but intact condition. Based on the seller’s description, this example provides a straightforward base for either a mechanical restoration or preservation with limited intervention. It represents a clear snapshot of Crosley’s final production years and of the company’s attempt to introduce a truly compact car into the American market of the early 1950s. Find it for sale at $6,900 here in Ware, MA.

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