In a message dated 1/17/02 2:02:38 PM, John.Deikis@med.va.gov writes:
<< Okay, listeratti....let's hear the Muntz Jet connection to match the Powell
Crosley refrigerator-midget-car link. Any of you old "gas clouds" remember
those Crosleys with the sheet metal engine? How about the Crosley Hot
Shot-- the original "bug-eye" racer?
--JohnD >>
Muntz the 8 track king bought a firm in Evanston IL from Frank Kurtis, who
had created an envelope bodied car which became the Muntz Jet. Sort of a
Hudsony inverted bathtub looking thing with a Cadillac or Lincoln engine and
aluminum (later steel) body. Had a removable hardtop on a 4 passenger
convertible. A Jet could top 120 mph. Big plans, but only 394 cars built
from 1950-54.
Crosley came out with a line that eventually included a tiny sedan, a
hatchback, a car/truck/tractor called FarmORoad, and a Spridget predecessor
called the "Hotshot". sales high in 1948 started slacking off in the 50's
when bigger was better. Production finally ceased in July 1952 although the
engines were marketed for boats and portable refrigeration units.
Annice & Bob
1960 Bugeye (Mk. IV in disguise)
1966 Sprite Mk. III (Still in Boxes)
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