Crosley Automobile Emblem, circa 1950

01

Artifact Overview

Rich from building radios and refrigerators, Powel Crosley thought a small, affordable car might appeal to Americans. He introduced his new line of vehicles in 1939. Sales were encouraging after World War II, but they fell off once Detroit's Big Three debuted their own redesigned postwar models for 1949. After losing $3 million, Crosley finally abandoned his dream in 1952.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Radiator emblem

Date Made

circa 1950

Creator Notes

Made for Crosley Motors, Inc.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

86.129.109

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Zinc alloy
Enamel (Fused coating)

Technique

Cloisonne

Color

Silver (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 4.625 in
Width: 3.625 in
Thickness: 0.04 in

Inscriptions

Front center: CROSLEY