1951 Crosley Super Sports
Donated to the Museum by the original owner's family
Bought from the Crosley dealer here in the Audrain Building!
A classic 1950s fun summer car
This car was donated to the Museum by Judy McLennan. Her father, C. Thomas Clagett Jr. of Ocean Ave, Newport, traded in a 1949 Crosley Hot Shot in 1951 for the updated $925 Super Sports. Nicknamed the TOAD, it has spent much of its time here on Aquidneck Island. A well-preserved car with only 8000 miles on the odometer, it has been driven and enjoyed every summer here in Newport!
A successful radio and refrigerator manufacturer in Cincinnati, Ohio, the first Crosley car made its debut at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. During the post-WWII years, they pioneered the production of quality small cars for a nation raised on cheap fuel and speed. In 1949, Crosley introduced the Hotshot, a tiny, doorless sports car that was highly successful in racing. In 1950, Crosley introduced disc brakes on their cars. Crosley made many different body styles on the same rolling chassis. A fancier version with doors is the Super Sports you see here. This car will achieve 0 – 60 mph in approximately 20 seconds – respectable for a car this size. With a weight-to-power ratio of 30.5 lbs/hp, the Crosley Super Sports is a simple, spirited, and really fun little car to drive.
Specifications
Engine: 44.2 cu in (724 cc) OHC inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Power: 26 hp @ 5400 rpm, 37 ft-lb torque
Performance: 0 – 60 mph in 20 seconds, top speed 87 mph
Wheelbase: 85 in
Weight: 1095 lbs