Friday 28th April 1939

Powell Crosley, who in his own words had 50 jobs in 50 years, produced America’s first miniature or “bantam” car. Mass production of the car was stalled until after World War II, but, in 1948, he produced 28,000 cars. The Crosley was a foot shorter and a 100 pounds lighter than the pre-war Volkswagen Beetle and far smaller than anything offered by American manufacturers. Unfortunately Crosley was never able to lower the price of his cars to his intended sticker of $500. His $800 price tag wasn’t low enough to convince consumers when they could by a full-size car for a few hundred dollars more. The Crosley Car Company failed badly and Crossley sold his interest in the venture.