Quote:
Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese
Those cars were beyond terrible. Engine blocks made of brazed sheet metal.
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Not quite true. The sheet metal, copper brazed engines (aka the CoBRA) were originally designed for power plants for the military. They were used in generators, refrigerations units, and the like, quite successfully during WW2. They were in B-17's as well as PT boats owing to their light weight. They were then used in Crosley cars from 46 - 48, with less than stellar results.
The sheet metal block...
In 49, the cast iron block engine (aka CIBA) was made. Same 724 cc displacement, bevel gear driven SOHC, and aluminum crankcase, with the head and block cast as one unit. It was a very bulletproof engine, lending itself to easy modifications. It was used extensively in racing in the 50's in Siatas, Bandinis, Devins and many home built specials. It dominated the 750cc class in SCCA racing at the time, and was also used in 3/4 midget racing with great success.
A supercharged Crosley engine..
Also some firsts...first disc brakes (4 wheel) on an American car, 1949, and the first American sportscar, the Hotshot in 1949.
I owned several Crosleys in the 70's, including a Hotshot with a race motor, and they were pretty cool, given what they were intended to be...cheap, light transport.