1950 Crosley Super Hot Shot 2-Door Roadster

1950 Crosley Super Hot Shot 2-Door Roadster
2024.0017.0001, Savoy Collection

Engine: 44 cu. in. (.7L) Cast-iron block, I-4
Output: 27 HP @ 5,400 RPM
Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
Wheelbase: 85 in.
Overall Length: 137 in.
Weight: 1175 lbs.
Top Speed: 75 MPH
No. Produced: Unknown
Original Price: $925
Manufacturer: Crosley

Don’t let this car’s small size fool you. On December 31, 1950, this pint-size speedster made motorsport history. Drivers Ralph Deshon and Fritz Koster piloted a Crosley Hot Shot to victory at the inaugural run of the Sam Collier Memorial Grand Prix at Sebring, FL. This was America’s first internationally sanctioned road race. To attain this goal the Hot Shot had to beat the likes of Ferrari, Cad-Allards, Jaguars, and Aston Martins.

It did not triumph because of speed but because of the complicated Index of Performance used only during the first running of this race. The Super-Hot Shot is the Hot Shot’s bigger brother. Crosley Motors suffered lagging sales as the post-war car buying frenzy cooled. The Super-Hot Shot was Crosley’s only new model for 1950. It was not enough. Americans were ready for full-size cars with big engines and lots of options. The last Crosleys rolled off the assembly line in 1952.