1948 Crosley Stationwagon

Disc brakes had arrived for 1949-50, a first for series production shared with Chrysler's 1950 Town & Country Newport.

Unfortunately, hasty development caused the Crosley brakes to deteriorate quickly after exposure to road salt and grime, causing tremendous service headaches. Since the firm was still smarting from the woes of its unlamented sheetmetal engine, this new problem was the last thing dealers -- or customers -- needed. Conventional drum brakes were reinstituted for 1951.

Thanks very much for the details! I guess one could say that Chrysler was the first to have a successful disc brake system in the U.S.....and then it disappeared! :) Jack

Here's the reason some people did engine swaps . The copper-steel block was subject to electrolysis that developed holes in the cylinder bores, thus necessitating early rebuilds. Crosley soon rectified the fault by offering a cast-iron version -- called CIBA, for Cast-Iron Block Assembly -- of the same 44-cid size and 26.5 horsepower output. Significantly, used-car price guides of the day gave a higher trade-in value for cars with the cast-iron engine, including retrofitted 1946-48 models.

Thanks for that great information! And Crosley offered front disc brakes too, but they didn't work out so that too was retrofitted to regular drums. That's what happens when you're on the cutting edge of new technology! I appreciate!! :) Jack

My dad had one of these back in the 60's. We lived in the country and he drove it to work in town every day. Over the winter one year he swapped the stock motor for a Ford 60HP V8. I have a Homelite 55HP outboard from the 60's that is based on the Crosley motor, 4 stroke, overhead cam, five main bearings, ahead of it's time!

Glad to hear from someone who knew this car up close and personal! That's a unique engine swap..it must have been a screamer! Didn't know about the Crosley connection with outboards..but did understand that he same motor as in the car served for years in commercial refrigeration systems developed by Crosley. A shame he didn't develop more cars....He was also a radio manufacturer! Thanks! :) Jack

A Fine Car Jack! I had the same one...Exact same one. It was yellow and woodgrain also. Mine was totally stock. I had no radio, and stock rims with hubcaps. I do like the wagon wheels you put on. The second tail light definitely makes it safer. I kept mine with just the one it came with on the driver's side. Your car is actually a 48 1/2 which makes it much better looking than the 48. Good luck with it. Vin

Thanks, Vin...I'd like to take credit for it, but it's not my car...I just happened to film it at a car show! I remember when there was but one tailight...fairly common in the early 30's! I remember the ads for these cars in Popular Mechanics, along with the King Midget!! Those were the days!! Thanks for the comment! :) Jack

Going back in time, the interstate highway system was only a planner's dream when this vehicle was made. I'd say it could cope with normal highway speeds of the time..maybe 55 would stress it for extended periods. But I think most used it for local trips to the market, etc! Thanks for the comment! :)Jack

Yeah, Crosley gave a new meaning to "bare bones"..altho our Henry J was a close second! LOL! I definitely remember them on the road.
The one I never saw in reality is the King Midget, also in Popular Science! Thanks for the comment! :) Jack