1949 Crosley Farm-O-Road Prototype - VERY Rare and VERY Fun!

1949 Other Makes Farm-O-Road NA Description

This 1949 Crosley Farm-O-Road is the first of two prototypes for thisline of uncommon,diminutive dual-purpose utilitytrucks. Farm-O-Roads became available as 1950 models, and fewer than 600 were sold before the company closed its doors in 1952. Of the twoprototypes built prior to production, this one was used by Crosley for mostshows andpromotional materials, while thesecond has been lost to time. The truck retains its original 724cc CIBA engine, and has received acosmeticrestoration to factory specs. We acquired it duringthe February 2013 RM Auction of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, and it has been part of a large private collectionsince.
As a prototypeshow truck, this example was fitted with a pickup body style featuring a removablecargo bedandtaillight assembly for mounting of farm implements.A varietyofoptions were showcased including dual rear wheels, a power takeoff (PTO), front load holder, rear draw bar, and fold-down windshield.
This green hue was the only standard color for Farm-O-Roads, and the refinished paint shines well under correct side decals.Finish flawsare detailed in the gallery below, and appear limited to isolated areas on the front of and underneath the slide-off hood.
Sheet metal panels look free of dings or dents, and no evidence of bubbling or filler is present.Stock 12 x 4.5″ wheels wear clean chrome caps and Goodyear bias-plies in the front. Four correct Goodyear tractortires are mounted in the rear
Painted interior surfaces are undamaged. Vinyl-covered seats have basic adjustments for legroom, and flip forward for access underneath. Flatmetal floors are protected with modern carpets. The truck is driven regularly for short trips, and shows17k miles on its clear instrumentation.
Underhood, the 724cc CIBA inline-four is original. Based on awartime generator design, itsblock was brazed together from multiple pieces and included five main bearings, anoverhead cam driven by a vertical shaft, and no separate cylinder head.The engine bay appears largely unmodified, showing a collection of dings along withoxidation onthe exhaust manifold, which results fromthetruckbeingrun regularly.
Initially ratedat26.5horsepower, the engine is mated to a three-speed Warner T-92 transmission that drives the dual rear wheels. Poweris fedto thePTO through a 4:1 auxiliary transfer case. Designed as a dual-purpose vehicle for farmuseand transportation, thetruck couldbedriven onthe street atspeedsapproaching 60mph.
The chassis isbuilt on a 63″ wheelbase and looks clean underneath, with most drivetrain and suspension parts coated in protective black paint.The truck has seen regular maintenancewithin bothcollections. No VIN is assigned, and the only numbering on the car is the engine casting number due toitsprototype status. A CA title with the casting number anda copy of its previousbill of sale from theMicrocar MuseumviaRM will be included as well.
My standard disclaimer/mantra for any car regardless of service or price: The car is sold with no warranty. You are buying a used car. Eventually every car will break, if you find one that doesn't please let me know. I have done my ABSOLUTE BEST to describe accurately the shape of the truck, but keep in mind it is impossible to discuss every detail of a car for better or worse. I am not a dealer, just a guy who loves Crosley (among other cars) and hope to pass along my passion and fervor for these cars. That said if ever you encounter an issue I do my best to provide advice, direction or even parts if I have them. Please understand that it is a used car and will have minor signs of use despite its service and restoration. That means please do not expect a showroom brand new car. Please adjust your expectation level to that of a 68 year old truck that has received some nice refreshing cosmetically and mechanically. This is good miles for any car of this year, but please just remember that no car is perfect. It is though a clean, very nice Crosley! Please only bid if you intend to buy. If you would like to have an Ebay 3rd party mechanic service check out the car I MORE than welcome it. Please have the car checked out before bidding and not after, if you intend to use that service. And please, if you would like to utilize this service, contact me with more than a couple days left in the auction so we can arrange schedules. Please check your local laws and registration procedures before buying. Buying over the internet can be scary sometimes! I get it, because I am an enthusiast too!! For that very reason, I am more than happy to answer every and any question you may so you know 100% what you are buying. But, please ask any and all questions ahead of purchase! It is impossible to list every pro and con of a car, I am not an inspection service, it is your responsibility as a buyer to do your due diligence and inspect the car. All sales are final, you are buying as-is, the sky is blue, etc, etc. Sorry to have to give the boring speech!
Please feel free to ask any and all questions!!