Crosley - once a station wagon, now a modified convertible, Red, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $9,995.

Someone surely had intentions for this neat little beast, which is a 1949 Crosley underneath. Doing some research, I've discovered cars like this being used everywhere from amusement parks to Shriner's parades, and they always seem to bring a smile to people's faces. This is a fun machine that is ideal for parades, and if you're one of those lucky few who live in a gated community where commuting by golf cart is permissible, perhaps this is just offbeat enough for you to stand out from all your neighbors.

It appears that this highly modified Crosley was once a station wagon, but those days are long gone. With a reshaped nose that includes a new grille and parking lights, as well as a customized hood wearing a Buick hood ornament, the Crosley DNA is almost entirely lost, except for its diminutive size. Out back, the wagon body has been trimmed down into a kind of pickup truck, and now that the entire thing is drenched in bright red paint, it's clear that there is a fire fighter theme going on. The cut-down doors add a sporty flair and were all the rage in the 1950s, but the practical bed out back still gives you room to haul some gear as well. The paint is decent, and has a nice patina to it that seems to match the modifications-surely nobody will restore this vehicle, so it remains a nice period piece that will always get people talking.

From inside, it's clear that this was built for fun. With two steering wheels (don't worry, only the left one is functional), perhaps there's something to the idea that it was an amusement park attraction. Two buckets and a bench seat are trimmed in white vinyl with contrasting red piping, and black carpets really do tone down the carnival atmosphere inside. It's actually quite comfortable, and as Crosley fans will attest, there's enough room for a full-sized person in each seat, despite the small exterior proportions. The dashboard is basic, including a big speedometer and a matching set of auxiliary gauges and a switch panel where the original AM radio used to live (remember that Crosley was also a manufacturer of transistor radios and refrigerators).

Power comes from Crosley's tiny 44 cubic inch inline four, which delivers adequate performance (remember this thing weighs barely 900 pounds). Once you're up to speed, performance is spirited, and you'll find that the suspension and brakes are competent enough to encourage confidence. Someone spent quite a bit of time restoring the engine bay, and there's new wiring, fresh paint, and a multitude of sirens and horns that are all functional. The three speed manual transmission clicks through the gears easily, and the brakes are impressive for their size. It rolls on tiny Pirelli radials wrapped around original steel wheels with Crosley hubcaps.

Satisfy your hunger for the unusual with this little Crosley. I'm sure it has some great stories to tell. Call today!