So after posting the photos and info on my post-Crosley engine haul, Myron Vernis starts telling me about this Almquist-Crosley he knows about. As it turns out, it’s his, so I tell him I need photos, stat, and he comes through, along with some history.
As you know, Ed Almquist founded Almquist Engineering which was a pioneer in catalog sales of speed parts. Around 1955, he bought Clearfield Plastics, an early manufacturer of fiberglass kit cars. In the ensuing years, he produced a series of Almquist kits (and a few ready-built cars) to fit various size chassis. His first kits were made to fit Crosley and Fiat Topolino automobiles.
This car was built right around 1955 in the same area of Pennsylvaia where Almquist was based. I bought it from there several years ago. It was professionally built (the shop’s build tag is still on the firewall) and rumored to be one of Almquist’s pre-made units, but this has not been confirmed. Either way, the car is great looking and it belies its small size.
It has a stock Crosley CIBA engine in it. I always thought it would be a great candidate for a hotrod Crosley engine. Cosmetically, the patina is real (unlike many of today’s “ratrods”) so I think it should be left alone.
The windshield’s not quite as slick as it could be, but I’m digging it anyway. Myron said his goal is to get it running this summer, possibly find a Bearcat engine like mine and hot rod it just a little bit.
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