The Optimists Club

I don't know what to make of folks who list their cars for sale at exorbitantly high prices and then just keep them there.  And keep them there.  And just keep on keeping on.  For years.

Hemmings Find: 1950 Crosley Hotshot For Sale in Maine

This clean '50 Hotshot popped up on the Hemmings Blog the other day.  It is supposed to be super solid and runs great.  Sure looks nice in the pictures.

Owner claims it was recently reawakened after a long storage, and that's kinda what it looks like.  Gauges and carpet appear to be faded, and the upholstery could definitely use some attention.  But, the paint looks pretty nice, it's got the accessory doors, and you can't argue with the radio in the dash. On the down side, I'm not sold on the red steering wheel, I think the taillight lenses are wrong and something looks weird about the rear gravel pan.

Seller is asking $7950, which would have been nuts just a couple of years ago, but prices on these have been going up.  I'd want to know if the floors and sills look as good as the rest of the car, and if it has the top assembly, but it might be worth a call for an East Coaster who knows how to haggle.

Resolution #1: MORE POSTS!

As 2010 was coming to a close I noticed that I'd averaged under 25 blog posts a year for 2009 and 2010.... that's quite a few less than I'd planned when I started this blog back in late 2008.  It's not that I haven't had ideas - there have been plenty of missed opportunities - I just haven't been making the time.  This year, one of my resolutions* is to make TWICE as many posts as last year!

And with material like this, lord knows it should be easy! Check out this flame-jobbed clown car from Florida on Ebay right now... looks like a pretty straight, early (1946!) sedan.  No running lights, even!  What could make this even better?....

 That's right, the matching 1950 Hot Shot, for sale from the same seller!  Pick this pair up and you can immediately become a contender for the Most Hated Neighbor Award!  I'm simultaneously charmed and horrified by the paint jobs... they are true corn, but have a genuine postwar hotrod feel, before Rob Powell's sleek flamejob style had been co-opted by every paint slinger in the world.

 These are supposed to run and drive, and are reputed to be actual circus cars.  Neither has hit reserve yet, but we'll keep you posted.

*My resolutions this year: 

Spend more time in the garage

Spend more time on my surfboard

Play more music with my friends

Get at least one of my Crosleys on the road

Make at least 50 posts on the blog!