Ted Maedel

Ted Maedel is known for opening up one of the first speed shops in Ohio. As a teenager, his love for cars sparked the creation of a speed shop right on his family farm. But Ted's dream paused for World War II, where his car savvy proved invaluable in aircraft maintenance. Post-war, he reopened his shop in 1945, swiftly gaining a reputation for top-notch performance parts. By 1947, Ted had moved to Toledo's main street, further broadening his business. Later, in Utah, he continued blending his passions for cars and skiing, leaving a lasting mark in automotive customization and restoration. Photo courtesy of DFW Elite Toy Museum.

Returning from the war, Ted swiftly rejuvenated his shop, officially opening Maedel's Sales and Service in May 1945. By 1946, his inventory was exhaustive, featuring the finest performance parts in the U.S. A strategic relocation in 1947 to a prime storefront in Toledo, suggested by his friends at DeVilbiss, marked a new chapter. The original Speed Shop sign, a token of his journey, was prominently displayed at this new location. Photo courtesy of DFW Elite Toy Museum.

Ted Maedel's 1940 Ford Convertible. The car gained national recognition when it was featured in Trend Book 101 Custom Cars in 1951.

Ted did the bodywork on Wayne Knudsen's 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe. This photo of Wayne's coupe was taken at the first Toledo Auto Rama at Toledo's Civic Auditorium in 1957. Wayne advertised the car for sale at the show, and the small sign on the cowl stated that the bodywork was done by Maedel's. "Ted Maedel was one of the first to open a speed shop after the war, and his opened around 1946 in Toledo and ended up on LaGrange Street," Mark Mazur told Sondre Kvipt in November of 2023. "Ted also did bodywork at the shop, as evidenced by the placard on the car." Photo from The Mark Mazur Collection.

Charles T. "Ted" Maedel, Jr.'s journey into the world of automotive excellence began on a humble farm near Toledo, Ohio. Born in 1925, young Ted's fascination with cars, particularly racecars, blossomed early. At just 16, with his father's assistance, he transformed a small building on their property into a speed shop. This establishment, strategically located on the highway to Toledo, soon garnered attention for Ted's exceptional skills in fabrication and his knack for sourcing elusive performance parts.

The War Years: Valor and Ingenuity

The outbreak of World War II saw Ted enlisting in the military, pausing his burgeoning business. Serving as a Waist Gunner on a B-17 Bomber in the famed 100th Bomb Group "The Bloody Hundredth," and later in Italy with the 483rd Bomb Group, Ted's automotive expertise became invaluable. His intimate knowledge of supercharger technology, crucial in both auto racing and aircraft engines of the era, enabled him to provide critical insights to his squadron. His contributions were instrumental in numerous harrowing missions, earning him multiple commendations, including the Purple Heart.

Post-War Prosperity: Maedel's Sales and Service

Returning from the war, Ted swiftly rejuvenated his shop, officially opening Maedel's Sales and Service in May 1945. By 1946, his inventory was exhaustive, featuring the finest performance parts in the U.S. A strategic relocation in 1947 to a prime storefront in Toledo, suggested by his friends at DeVilbiss, marked a new chapter. The original Speed Shop sign, a token of his journey, was prominently displayed at this new location.

Magazine Recognition

Ted Maedel's craftsmanship and innovation soon attracted widespread acclaim. In 1951, Auto Trend Magazine spotlighted him and his iconic 1940 Ford convertible, a testament to his exceptional customizing skills. Unlike many speed shops of the time, Maedel's also specialized in authentic restorations, a rarity in the industry.

The Utah Years

Influenced by a ski trip to Utah in 1969, Ted relocated his business to the picturesque mountains near Park City in 1977. This move allowed him to indulge in his passion for skiing while continuing to expand his business. Maedel's offerings grew to include speed equipment, modifications, restoration, and select high-end collision repairs.

The Toledo Legacy: Maedel's Original Shop

The original location of Maedel's shop at 3520 Lagrange Street in Toledo stands as a historical landmark. Despite alterations over the years, it remains a testament to Ted Maedel's enduring legacy in the world of custom and classic cars.

Ted Maedel's Cars

Ted Maedel's 1940 Ford Convertible

Cars Built or restyled by Ted Maedel

Wayne Knudsen's 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe