Rare 1948 Playboy A48 Convertible (1 of 97 built)

A very rare red 1948 Playboy A48 convertible arriving at and leaving the 2023 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park. Built by Buffalo-based Playboy Motor Car Corporation, the A48 was intended to be an economical and sporty second car for post-war American families and was the first American production car with a retractable hardtop. The company declared bankruptcy in 1951, but it inspired the name of Hugh Hefner’s successful magazine in 1953 after it was suggested to him by his friend Eldon Sellers, whose mother had worked for the car company. This example is no. 34 of 97 A48s built, around 40 of which are known to still exist, and was previously displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Ask anybody to picture a car that inspired Hugh Hefner's famous, um, lifestyle magazine. What do you think would come to mind? Maybe a sleek and shiny convertible along the lines of a first-generation Corvette or T-Bird? Or maybe a closed vehicle with, um, back seats and fogged-up windows? Either way, it probably doesn't look anything like this. With its tiny wheels and comical proportions, it probably won't be picking up any bunnies except for those from children's cartoons. But if both you and your significant other, like this couple, are happy driving/riding in a strange-looking little vehicle nobody has heard of that inspired a famous magazine that everyone has heard of, then this may just be the perfect car. Its oddity and rarity only add to its charm, and I'm sure it never fails to be a good conversation starter!

Would you add this rare Playboy A48 to your collection? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!