1950 Crosley Hot Shot

The Crosley Hot Shot roadster was introduced in 1949 and over a four-year period approximately 2,500 Hot Shot roasters were produced. They were simple and light, with removable half doors being optional. The Hot Shot was recognized as America's first post-war production sports car.

The two-passenger lightweight roadster was powered by a new cast iron engine, or CIBA, developed by Crosley, replacing the previous sheet metal block which had caused issues for Crosley.

The Hot Shot could be stripped down to 900 pounds and reach speeds of up to 90 mph, allowing the tiny car to make some noise on the racing circuit during this period. The Hot Shot won at Sebring, Grand de la Suisse and SCCA competitions. A Crosley Hot Shot Roadster was entered in the inaugural Sam Collier Memorial Sebring Grand Prix of Endurance in 1950. That year, the race was contested on an index of performance formula where speed was balanced by efficiency. The little Hot Shot, although it was lapped nineteen times by second-place Ferrari 166, took the trophy demonstrating the Crosley's combination of performance and economy.