This 1949 Crosley Farm-O-Road is reportedly the first of two prototypes for this line of uncommon, diminutive dual-purpose utility trucks. Farm-O-Roads became available as 1950 models, and fewer than 600 were sold before the company closed its doors in 1952. Of the two prototypes built prior to production, this one was used by Crosley for most shows and promotional materials, while the second has been lost to time. The truck is said to retain its original 724cc COBRA engine, and has received a cosmetic restoration to factory specs. Its current owner acquired it during the February 2013 RM auction of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, and it has been part of a large private collection since.

As a prototype show truck, this example was fitted with a pickup body style featuring a removable cargo bed and taillight assembly for mounting of farm implements. A variety of options were showcased including dual rear wheels, a power takeoff (PTO), front load holder, rear draw bar, and fold-down windshield.

This green hue was the only standard color for Farm-O-Roads, and the refinished paint shines well under correct side decals. Finish flaws are detailed in the gallery below, and appear limited to isolated areas on the front of and underneath the slide-off hood.

Sheet metal panels look free of dings or dents, and no evidence of bubbling or filler is present in photos. Stock 12 x 4.5″ wheels wear clean chrome caps and Goodyear bias-plies in the front. Four correct Goodyear tractor tires are mounted in the rear.

Painted interior surfaces look undamaged, and the utilitarian black steering wheel appears free of cracks. Vinyl-covered seats have basic adjustments for legroom, and flip forward for access underneath. Flat metal floors are protected with modern carpets. The truck is driven regularly for short trips, and shows 17k miles on its clear instrumentation.

Underhood, the un-numbered 724cc Crosley COBRA (for COpper BRAzed) inline-four is original according to the seller. Based on a wartime generator design, its block was brazed together from multiple pieces and included five main bearings, an overhead cam driven by a vertical shaft, and no separate cylinder head. The engine bay appears largely unmodified, showing a collection of dings along with oxidation on the exhaust manifold, which the seller says results from the truck being run regularly.

Initially rated at 26.5 horsepower, the engine is mated to a three-speed Warner T-92 transmission that drives the dual rear wheels. Power is fed to the PTO through a 4:1 auxiliary transfer case. Designed as a dual-purpose vehicle for farm use and transportation, the truck could be driven on the street at speeds approaching 60 mph.

The chassis is built on a 63″ wheelbase and looks clean underneath, with most drivetrain and suspension parts coated in protective black paint. The truck has reportedly seen regular maintenance within both collections, though no service paperwork is available. No VIN is assigned, and the only numbering on the car is the engine casting number. It will be sold on a bill of sale due to its prototype status, and a copy of its previous bill of sale from the Microcar Museum via RM will be included as well.