Playboy Automobile Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | Lou Horwitz |
| Defunct | 1951 |
| Fate | Bankruptcy |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Lou Horwitz (founder), Norm Richardson, Charlie Thomas |
| Products | Playboy Convertible (compact, single-row convertible with retractable hardtop) |
| Website | www |
Playboy Motor Car Corporation was an automobile manufacturer headquartered in Buffalo, New York, established in 1947. The firm specialized in producing a compact, single-row convertible that stood out as one of the earliest factory vehicles to incorporate a multi-segment, retractable hardtop.
In total, Playboy manufactured 99 vehicles: one prototype, 97 production models with serial numbers, and a single incomplete car (assigned number 98) that was never completed. The company halted operations and filed for bankruptcy in 1951.
The company
Lou Horwitz, the founder and former Packard dealer, recognized a demand for an economical, smaller automobile in the post-World War II market. Aiming for a price near $900, the Playboy was assembled using components sourced from various suppliers. Horwitz collaborated with Norm Richardson, an experienced mechanic, and Charlie Thomas, who had engineering experience at Pontiac. Despite offering an innovative design and a cost-effective business approach, the company faced challenges in building a dealer network due to negative perceptions in the industry following the controversy surrounding Preston Tucker. This hindered production to just 97 completed vehicles before the company's bankruptcy in 1951.
The Playboy convertible prototype
The initial prototype resembled the production model’s overall shape but was equipped with a rear-mounted engine and a soft folding roof.
The Playboy prototype today
Currently owned and restored by David Kaplan, grandson of Lou Horwitz, the prototype carries the "PR" marking signifying its prototype status. Kaplan finished its restoration in the early 1990s and occasionally operates the vehicle.
The Playboy convertible production model
Manufactured between 1947 and 1951 in Buffalo, New York, the Playboy Convertible totaled 97 completed units plus one unfinished car numbered 98. It featured a front-engine layout with rear-wheel drive and was originally powered by a Hercules flathead inline four-cylinder engine. This was later replaced by a Continental flathead inline four-cylinder delivering 40 horsepower. A three-speed manual transmission was standard.
With a wheelbase measuring 90 inches and an overall length of 156 inches, the Playboy was compact and weighed approximately 1,900 pounds. It achieved fuel economy near 35 miles per gallon and could accelerate from zero to 50 miles per hour in 17 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 75 mph. Priced competitively at US$985, it was promoted as a three-passenger convertible featuring a folding steel roof. Although there were intentions to develop a station wagon version, this model never reached production.
Despite its forward-thinking design and attractive pricing, Playboy Motor Car Corporation lacked sufficient capital and faced stiff competition from better-funded manufacturers offering more traditional automobiles.
Playboy cars today
Out of the 97 produced Playboy vehicles sold, roughly 43 are estimated to still exist. David Kaplan owns five of these cars, including the original prototype. He is regarded as an expert on the Playboy automobile.
References
- Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946-1959. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008.
External links
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- Automotive companies founded in 1947
- Former motor vehicle manufacturers in the United States
- Defunct manufacturing firms based in New York (state)
- Manufacturing businesses located in Buffalo, New York
- Vehicle manufacturers closed in 1951
- 1947 establishments in New York (state)
- Motor vehicle producers based in New York (state)
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- American businesses closed in 1951
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- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
- American companies established in 1947