I was recently at the Friday Night Car Cruise in Port Ewen held at the Frozen Rainbow Diner. My eye caught this little two-seater sports car, called a Crosley. I had a chance to speak with the owner, Michael Duffy a retired IBM manager. Michael told me that the Crosley Hotshot was America’s first post war sports car.

Powel Crosley Jr. of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the owner of Crosley Broadcasting Corporation and the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Powel Crosley Jr. always wanted to branch out into automobiles. Crosley became very successful manufacturing automobile accessories. Crosley increased his fortune by developing and manufacturing inexpensive radios. The Crosley Radio Corporation became the world’s largest radio manufacturer which in turn lead him to go into radio broadcasting.

In the late 1930’s Crosley developed low-priced compact cars such as a two-door convertible that weighted under 1,000 pounds offered at $325 for a two-passenger coupe or $350 for a four-passenger sedan. From 1949 to 1952 there were only 2,498 Crosley Hotshots built.

Michael Duffy informed me that he has owned his Hotshot for seven months. He purchased it from a gentleman in Buffalo New York. Michael said that he has worked on rebuilding the engine, brakes, interior, and wheels to the car.
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His car sports a 4-cylinder Opel Cadet engine, not original to the car, with 50 horsepower. It also has a 4 speed Opel transmission, not original to the car. The car’s color is Yellow. The odometer reads 31,000 miles. Michael, who hails from West Hurley, New York Loves cruising to the oldies, his best cruise mate is his girlfriend, Maria. He said that his best moment with his car was when he attended the Crosley Nationals located in Wauseon, Ohio. I asked Michael what his dream car was, he replied “This one”. Michael also owns a 1948 Crosley Station Wagon. He belongs to the Woodstock Motor Car Club, the Red Hook Car Club, and the Crosley Car Club.

Specifications: 2,498 Crosley Hotshots built between 1948 & 1952, Wheelbase 85 inches, Length 137 inches, Width 51 inches, Curb Weight 1,095 lbs, Base Price: $325

What was happening in 1950:
Harry S. Truman is President, North Korea invades South Korea, Senator Joe McCarthy alleges Communists in U.S. Government, Diner's Club issues the first credit cards, The Walt Disney animation musical, “Cinderella” was the top grossing movie, "Goodnight Irene" by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers was the top song for the year

*Reference: Wikipedia