The Crosely automobile was first made in Richmond, Indiana (my home town) in
1938. A new factory was constructed for its manufacture. I am not sure,
but I think this car had a 2 cylinder engine. When WW 2 started, the
factory was converted to making ball turrets for bombers. After the war the
plant made refrigerators, and auto production was moved to Marion, Indiana.
Powell Crosely was the prime mover in all of this, so there is some
connection. I always thought Powell Crosley maintained appliance and car
ownership throughout the 40's, but what do I know?
Powell Crosley had a big influence in the Indiana-Ohio-Kentucky area, as he
also owned WLW, a 50,000 watt clear channel radio station that could be
heard in about 75% of the country. He also owned a TV station and the
Cincinnatti Reds.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott E. Christie" <schristie@mail.usfli.com>
To: <alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: Rootes Engines, and others
> Are we confusing Crosley (American) with Crossley (British) ?
> The American company did build cars for a short period in the late 40's
> early 50's, but is mainly known for their radios. Their COBRA engine was
> unique in that all the parts were stamped steel. It powered very small
> sedans, a wagon, and finally the Hot Shot "roadster". I'm not aware of any
> ties the COBRA engine has to Crosley's refrigerators, washing machines,
and
> radios.
> Scott Christie
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <davidkellogg@hotmail.com>
> To: <jan.eyerman@usa.net>; <bmounce@impop.bellatlantic.net>
> Cc: <alpines@autox.team.net>; <volvos@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2001 10:39 PM
> Subject: Re: Rootes Engines, and others
>
>
> > Hello Jan, and Listers:
> >
> > Thanks for the information about the Rootes relationship to Coventry
> > Climax' pumpers. You're right about the Crosley engine, too, but
there's
> > more! Crosley engines were also the staple of the refrigeration
industry,
> > providing power for the entire Thermo King fleet of refrigerated trucks
> > until fairly recently. What's fun for me about the Crosley engine is
its
> > similarity to the Type 35 Bugatti engine: single overhead cam before
> common
> > implimentation, shaft-driven cam (with tower-enclosed shaft), integral
> head
> > and cylinder casting, inline water pump and generator, remarkably light
> > weight for bhp output, and susceptible to high performance tweaking.
> >
> > Best, David
> >
> > 67 Ser V Racing Alpine
> > (Currently rebuilding a Crosley engine for Jabro)
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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