1942 Crosley CB42 Convertible Cabriolet

Beginning in the late 1930s Crosley developed low-priced compact cars and other pint-size vehicles.  The first experimental prototype of the Crosley car was the 1937 CRAD, (for Crosley Radio Auto Division), that had a 18 inches rear track.  With the assistance of his brother, Lewis, a graduate engineer, Crosley also designed assembly plants for his manufacturing operations at Richmond and Marion, Indiana.  Production for 1939 was 2,017 units; however, only 422 cars were built in 1940.  For 1941 a range of new, body-style variations of the 48-inch wide car were introduced to expand the line-up: a station wagon, two panel vans, and a pick-up truck and "Covered Wagon" model that could convert into a truck by means of a removable back seat and detachable soft-top over the rear section.  Crosley built nearly 2,300 cars in 1941.  When the company introduced its first metal-topped model, the "Liberty Sedan," for 1942, pricing across the model range was $299 to $450.  During World War II, the Crosley car became attractive due to gasoline rationing and the car's fuel efficiency, an estimated 50 miles per US gallon at speeds of up to fifty miles per hour.  Crosley was the last company to cease production of civilian vehicles in 1942, after building approximately 1,000 units that year.

For consignment and fresh out of barn storage, this extremely rare 1942 CB42 Convertible Cabriolet from Crosley.  Produced prior to the beginnings of World War II and one of the approximate 1,029 units built during that time, this mini skate has seen better days but is still holding its own and is fairly complete with the exception of the convertible top canvas.  In 2019 the Crosley Automobile Club stated that less than 80 Crosleys are accounted for of all the body styles built for the 1942 model year and we aren't certain if this unit is in that number count.  Either way, it's small, it's rare, and frankly I'm in absolute love with all of its charm and styling that still holds strong today.

Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior
Small and quirky would best describe this pint sized drop top.  This example shows as unrestored in a patina riddled black finish overtop the factory Sequoia Cream.  Dents and dings abound with evidence of body filler in a few areas but no invasive rust is seen. Much smaller scale than other cars of the day, but still using similar styling with pontoon fenders with horizontal grille bars cut in down low on the front and an overall beaked appearance to the leading edge of the car and V-shaped hood.  Brackets for the front bumper are seen but the bumper itself is long gone.  The fenders slowly thin as they dip down and melt into the pint sized running boards under the cabriolet style framed doors.  These running boards thin out as they run rearward and meet up with the arched rear fenders.  Chrome is kept to a minimum with only the door handles and rear passenger compartment surround being bedecked as such.  The framework for the manually folding top is present but the canvas covering is gone.  Moving around back we note a stylish body tub, reminiscent of the Ford convertible sedans of a few years earlier, with a single tail light on the left hand side and a mustache thin bumper in black below.  A mix of red and cream painted 12-inch wheels with chrome Crosley moon capped centers are on all 4 corners to finish things off.

Interior
Swinging open the light but long doors we see the remnants of 2 low back buckets covered with red vinyl and in the back we see a simple red bench.  The seats are in need of recovering with the front buckets missing their upper padding and vinyl covers. These are fronted by a Sequoia Cream metal dash with tri of aged white faced Crosley gauges in dash central.  A few knobs and pulls surround the gauges as well as the ignition switch.  Facing the passenger is a small metal glovebox door.  Surface rust and steel patches make up the flooring and from under the dash rises the long arm black shifter.  Rounding out our tour are worn and tattered red vinyl door panels and rear side panels, all in need of replacing.

Drivetrain
A lift of the mini hood reveals an unrestored engine bay that holds a 35.3ci air cooled flat 2 cylinder engine.  This tiny mill is capable of producing 12hp and is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor.  A bit of trivia for those out of the know...the flywheel design, while not only coupling the engine to the transmission also works to help keep the engine cool.  Think of it as a fan of sorts.  The engine is backed up by a three-speed transmission which sends power to a 5.40 geared rear axle.  

Undercarriage
A healthy dose of patina, surface rust and some invasive rust on the flooring greets us with a look underneath.  The frame structure appears solid, but a serious amount of investigation should be performed to verify everything is intact.  Leaf spring suspension is seen up front and in the rear are quarter elliptical leaf springs.  Drum brakes are noted on all 4's. 

A rarity among rarities and possibly one of less than a handful left in existence.  Yes, it needs TLC on all fronts, but it's fairly complete, easy to work on and won't take up much space in your garage and the fruits of your labor could have you looking like a million bucks.  Maybe even add the optional Crosley radio for some period correct kewl factor....oh honey, clean the nicknacks out of the garage...I may be bringing home a small piece of history.

Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.