1952 Fageol Pataray Roadster

In August of 2023, the Fageol Pataray was shown in the "American Dream Cars of the 1950s" class during the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The class celebrated unique, limited-production cars built by remarkable individuals. These cars were designed and built in garages or local shops, not by big corporations. Mark and Newie Brinker from Houston, Texas, owned the car in 2023. Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Ray Fageol sits in the car he built over 70 years ago! Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

The 1952 Fageol Pataray Roadster was a one-of-a-kind creation by Ray Fageol. Featured on the cover of Mechanix Illustrated, this two-seater roadster was powered by a formidable 300-horsepower Fageol bus engine. It showcased a striking two-tone color scheme, embodying a blend of daring design and engineering excellence.

Fageol Motors: A Historical Perspective

Founded in 1916 in Oakland, California, by Rollie, William, Frank, and Claude Fageol, Fageol Motors initially manufactured farm tractors, trucks, and automobiles. In 1921, they pioneered the dedicated bus design with their 'Safety Bus,' known for its low center of gravity and wide track. The company's evolution saw the Fageol brothers founding the Twin Coach Company in 1927 and the eventual reformation of Fageol Motors during the Great Depression.

Legacy in Luxury and Innovation

Fageol's early foray into luxury automobiles included the Fageol Four Passenger Touring Speedster, which was equipped with Hall-Scott aircraft engines. These vehicles, among the most luxurious of their time, were a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and excellence.

The Fageol Supersonic

The Fageol Supersonic, a streamlined coupe with innovative features like a retractable hydraulic roof, marked a significant point in the company's history. Although it missed racing at the 1949 Indianapolis 500, its exhibition laps demonstrated its prowess. This vehicle later played a key role in promoting Fageol's propane-powered buses.

Creation of the Pataray

Ray Fageol's vision led to the transformation of the Supersonic chassis into the Pataray Roadster. Assisted by Frankie Stooler and Dave Rankin, skilled in shaping aluminum and steel respectively, the roadster's body was a composite of parts from various vehicles, including a 1946 Indy Special and a Chevrolet. Named PataRay, combining Ray and his wife Pat's names, the roadster exemplified a unique blend of family heritage and automotive innovation.

Mark and Newie Brinker

In August of 2023, the Fageol Pataray was shown in the "American Dream Cars of the 1950s" class during the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The class celebrated unique, limited-production cars built by remarkable individuals. These cars were designed and built in garages or local shops, not by big corporations. Mark and Newie Brinker from Houston, Texas, owned the car in 2023.