1951 Crosley Hotshot Roadster
01
Artifact Overview
Rich from building radios and refrigerators, Powel Crosley thought a small, affordable car might appeal to Americans. His sporty $924 roadster had an overhead cam engine and removable doors. Although it won races against foreign sports cars, it lost the U.S. sales race to big American machines. After losing $3 million, Crosley finally abandoned his dream in 1952.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1951
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
77.43.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cloth
Glass (Material)
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Color
Green
Light yellow
Dimensions
Length: 2.25 in (Stroke)
Diameter: 2.5 in (Bore)
Width: 48 in
Height: 50 in
Wheelbase: 85 in
Length: 135 in
Weight: 1184 lbs
Inscriptions
Plaque on dashboard: Designed & Built Especially for Jerry Muhleman
Specifications
Make & Model: 1951 Crosley Hotshot roadster
Maker: Crosley Motors, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
Engine: inline-4, overhead cam, 44 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 50 inches
Wheelbase: 85 inches
Width: 48 inches
Overall length: 148.5 inches
Weight: 1184 pounds
Horsepower: 26.5 at 5400 revolutions per minutes
Pounds per horsepower: 44.7
Price: $924
Average 1951 wage: $3,452 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 3-1/2 months
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