1952 Crosley Kiddie Fire Engine
$69,500
VIDEO TOUR COMING SOON.
Powel Crosley introduced his small, economical Crosley automobile in 1939. Original models sold for $325; making it America's lowest-priced car at the time. Following WWII, American buyers were looking for large family cars rather than economy models. Even with the introduction of the Crosley overhead cam 4 cylinder 26.5 horsepower engine in 1946, sales never reached the heights that Crosley had hoped. By 1949, Crosley had diversified his models to include the "Hot Shot" Roadster, and the "Farm-O-Road" with a design similar to the Jeep, with a PTO for farming equipment. In an effort to further diversify, in 1951-52, Crosley made his small cars available to the Overland Amusement Company of Lexington, Massachusetts who used the cab and chassis as a basis for their "Kiddie Fire Department" amusement rides.
Overland built a platform and hitch system at the rear of the chassis which attached to a custom-built, steel fifth-wheel trailer made in the form of a hook and ladder fire truck - in pint size! The trailer had a row of varnished wood bench seats on each side that could be loaded from the rear with up to 30 children and adults. The wooden ladders were hinged to fold down for loading passengers and would then be raised to act as a guard rail to keep the "kiddies" seated during the ride. It was a simple and efficient design.
Approximately 100 of these Kiddie Fire Engines were built and used by amusement parks, shopping centers, fairs, carnivals, parades and other places of family entertainment. For Crosley, it was a last gasp for business, as the company produced their last vehicle in 1953.
Today, just a handful of these Fire Engines have survived. This one was treated to a full frame-off restoration to show condition. The quality of work shows throughout. From the rebuilt engine and drivetrain, to the laser-straight steel trailer body finished in brilliant red and hand-pinstriped in gold with hand-lettered painted accents. The varnished wood seats and ladder rails were rebuilt and are gorgeous. From top to bottom, this is a standout and draws smiles wherever it goes - especially when filled with happy passengers!
This Crosley starts easily, and runs smoothly with plenty of power to pull a load of people as parade speeds. Ideal for the collector who wants to be the star of the neighborhood, or for the savvy business looking to make a memorable splash with their customers, the advertising and promotion possibilities are endless: for rides at your farm, festival, garden spot, Christmas tree lot, pumpkin patch, beer garden or pub crawler (just to mention a few venues), a ride in this will not be soon forgotten by visitors.
WE HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
WE HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
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