In 1951 a couple of Florida gents decided to place a Crosley Hot Shot in
the Le Mans and dash for the Index of Performance trophy. A stock Crosley
engine was modified for the event with 9 to 1 compression and dual
carburetors that brought the horsepower up to something like 42 at 6,000
rpm. This indexed them at just under 1,300 miles for the 24 hours.
A fellow here in Indianapolis named "Pop" Dreyer fabricated the body. (The
Dreyer family business continues today.) Plans called for a car to be
built something like a Le Mans Frazer Nash, but it came out looking more
like a cross between a miniature Indy roadster and a midget racer with
wings added.
The Crosley people had reservations about the transmission because of the
increased horsepower. Actually the car did quite well and looked as if it
might even win when the generator went out taking the water pump with it.
A Marchal unit had been added to the car at the last minute when the
Crosley factory generator didn't arrive in time for the race.
The same car was very competitive back home when in the company of Porsche,
Fiat, MG and TC. I believe the car has survived.
Dick
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