One-Off 1953 Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi: The Reborn Race Car with a Remarkable Past

Phoenix Velocity - There is something undeniably poetic about a machine rising from ashes and returning to the road with a new identity. Automotive history is filled with reinventions, but few stories feel as personal and as unlikely as that of the one-off former race car known as the Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi. Born from the charred remains of a 1953 Porsche 356 and reshaped by vision rather than factory blueprints, it stands today not only as a rare artifact, but as a living reminder of creativity under pressure.

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi was born from the charred remains of a 1953 Porsche 356 and reshaped by vision rather than factory blueprints, emerging as both a rare artifact and a vivid symbol of creativity under pressure. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The story begins in the mid-1960s, when the burned-out shell of a 1953 Porsche 356 found its way to the workshop of Italian coachbuilder Aldo Borghi in Buenos Aires. Borghi had relocated from Italy to Argentina during a period of economic growth, establishing himself in Tigre, just north of the capital. There, he built a reputation for crafting lightweight aluminum bodies and preparing competition cars for the vibrant local racing scene. His workshop had already produced striking creations such as the Alfa Romeo 2900 “Ballena” and the Alfa Romeo Spyder 6C 2500 “Paquito,” and had restored an Alfa Romeo 3000CM Carrozeria Boano after an accident. When the damaged Porsche arrived, Borghi saw not a loss, but an opportunity.

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi emerged with a lighter, more purposeful aluminum body, hand-shaped in flowing forms inspired by Rocco Motto–bodied Abarth race cars. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Although much of the original car had been destroyed, key components survived the fire, including the floorpan, engine, transmission, and several mechanical parts. Using these foundations, Borghi embarked on an ambitious transformation. Rather than replicate the factory body, he envisioned something lighter and more purposeful. Drawing inspiration from the flowing forms of Rocco Motto–bodied Abarth race cars, he hand-shaped an entirely new outer shell in aluminum alloy. Every panel was formed manually, a meticulous process that reflected both his craftsmanship and racing instincts.

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi departed dramatically from the standard 356 silhouette with a sleek fastback profile, a sharply defined nose, and subtly widened rear arches that created a more assertive stance. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The result was dramatically different from the standard 356 silhouette. The new body featured sleek fastback styling, a sharply defined nose, and subtly widened rear wheel arches that gave the car a more assertive stance. The redesigned engine bay offered improved accessibility, and the overall weight was reduced thanks to the switch from steel to aluminum. Rearward visibility was compromised by the streamlined tail, but this was a car built with competition in mind. Performance took priority over convenience, and the aesthetic reflected that singular focus. 

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi features a cabin that blends competition focus with understated elegance, highlighted by leather seats with plaid inserts, quilted trim, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a purposeful, minimalist dashboard. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Under the skin, the car retained the mechanical heart of the original 356, but with added vigor. The Porsche Super 90 engine was later tuned to deliver approximately 110 horsepower, channeling power to the rear wheels through the original four-speed manual transmission. Independent suspension at both ends and drum brakes at all four corners preserved the authentic Porsche driving character. With its lighter body, the reimagined machine became notably quicker and more agile than its predecessor, perfectly suited for Argentina’s racing circuits and rally stages. 

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi retained the original 356’s mechanical foundation, later upgraded with a tuned Super 90 engine producing around 110 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Inside, the cabin balanced competition intent with understated elegance. Leather seats with plaid cloth inserts provided both comfort and visual flair, a combination echoed in the door panels. Quilted leather adorned the roof lining and rear interior surfaces, lending a bespoke feel. Ahead of the driver sat a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel and a simple, purposeful dashboard. Three central gauges displayed speed, fuel level, and engine revs, with the tachometer positioned prominently in the middle — a clear signal that this car’s true language was performance. 

The Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi stands poised on the grass with its sculpted aluminum fastback body, louvered rear deck, and purposeful racing stance radiating understated vintage aggression. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The bond between Borghi and the car did not end when it was first delivered to its owner in 1965. In 1972, when the owner chose to sell it, Borghi bought it back and kept it for decades. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and into the 1990s, he raced and rallied the car across Argentina, ensuring that it was not merely a showpiece but an active participant in motorsport. As no video of the featured car is available, here is a video showcasing the Porsche 356 Abarth Carrera GTL instead. | 46KIWmt1YNg |

Though it was disassembled for restoration in the 1990s and left unfinished during Borghi’s lifetime, it was eventually restored to its original 1965 specification. Today, the Porsche 356 Abarth Borghi represents far more than a custom-bodied classic; it captures a moment when ingenuity, migration, and racing passion intersected, proving that even from destruction, something entirely unique can take shape and endure. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME ]

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Mansory Carbonado X: Extreme Carbon-Fiber Craftsmanship in Motion

Obsidian Pulse - In a world where automotive engineering constantly pushes the boundary between art and performance, few creations manage to turn heads as effectively as the Mansory Carbonado X. This vehicle is more than just a reinterpretation of a supercar—it’s a bold statement of design ambition and technological daring. At first glance, its presence alone signals a break from convention, blending razor-sharp aesthetics with meticulous engineering that speaks to the demands of modern hypercar enthusiasts. 

TThe Mansory Carbonado X, transformed by Mansory from the Lamborghini Revuelto platform, is more than a reinterpretation of a supercar—it stands as a bold statement of design ambition and technological daring. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

The mastermind behind this project is the renowned German tuner Mansory, celebrated for transforming already exceptional vehicles into singular works of automotive artistry. With the Carbonado X, Mansory took the Lamborghini Revuelto as a foundation but rebuilt it entirely, replacing standard panels with a meticulously crafted carbon fiber body. The result is a car that not only looks striking but is also optimized for structural integrity and lightweight performance—a feat achieved through high-heat, high-pressure molding techniques that leave every line and curve with a precision unattainable in traditional manufacturing. 

The Mansory Carbonado X presents a striking composition of sharp angles and purposeful lines, with a redesigned front apron and bonnet that channel airflow efficiently while reinforcing its aggressive, forward-leaning stance. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

Visually, the Carbonado X is a symphony of angles and purposeful lines. The front fascia commands attention, featuring a redesigned apron and bonnet that channel airflow efficiently while giving the car a more aggressive, forward-leaning posture. Sculpted vents and geometric contours don’t just create drama—they manage cooling and enhance stability at high velocities. Mansory has deliberately avoided recycling previous design elements, making this supercar a fresh creation rather than a mere cosmetic overhaul, ensuring it stands apart from both the Revuelto and the tuner’s past projects.

The Mansory Carbonado X showcases its performance focus even in the forged FV.10 carbon wheels, whose outer carbon rings reduce unsprung weight to sharpen responsiveness and handling precision. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

Adding to its dynamic profile is a functional roof scoop perched above the cabin. Beyond an aesthetic flourish, this intake serves a critical role in channeling air to the potent 6.5-liter V12 engine below. The combination of hybrid assistance and combustion power demands efficient thermal management, and the roof scoop ensures the engine performs at peak efficiency even during sustained high-speed runs. In this way, every visual choice doubles as a functional enhancement, blurring the line between style and engineering. 

The Mansory Carbonado X reveals a futuristic cabin wrapped in Alcantara and carbon fiber, illuminated by striking turquoise accents that amplify its sharp, high-performance character. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

The rear design continues this philosophy, prioritizing aerodynamic intelligence. An extendable spoiler and a large diffuser work in tandem to regulate airflow, improving downforce and traction, especially during cornering or rapid acceleration. The triple triangular exhaust setup provides both a visual signature and optimized flow for the upgraded powertrain. Its geometric arrangement draws the eye while serving a purpose, reinforcing Mansory’s commitment to performance-oriented design rather than ornamental embellishment.

The Mansory Carbonado X matches its dramatic design with formidable performance, delivering 930 horsepower from its V12 engine alone and a combined 1,120 horsepower when paired with three electric motors. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

Performance under the skin is just as compelling as the visuals. The V12 engine alone delivers 930 horsepower, an upgrade from the Revuelto’s base configuration, and when combined with three electric motors, the Carbonado X produces an astonishing 1,120 horsepower. This hybrid enhancement allows the car to reach top speeds exceeding 220 miles per hour, situating it firmly in the ultra-high-performance echelon while remaining compliant with modern expectations for hybrid-assisted efficiency. 

The Mansory Carbonado X extends its aerodynamic philosophy at the rear with an active spoiler and large diffuser that enhance downforce and traction, complemented by a triple triangular exhaust that defines its bold performance identity. (Picture from: InterestingEngineering)

Even the wheels reflect Mansory’s obsession with performance optimization. Forged FV.10 carbon wheels, complete with outer carbon rings, reduce unsprung weight, enhancing responsiveness and handling precision. The lightweight construction ensures durability at extreme speeds while preserving agility, exemplifying the meticulous attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the Carbonado X. This balance of artful design, raw power, and technical sophistication captures the spirit of a hypercar designed for an era that values both visual distinction and engineering excellence. | QguGy2NvGTY |

The Mansory Carbonado X is more than a supercar; it’s a lens through which the future of automotive craftsmanship can be glimpsed. By fusing hybrid technology with a fully reimagined carbon fiber architecture, it sets a new benchmark for what a modern hypercar can achieve, challenging assumptions about performance, beauty, and innovation in ways that are impossible to ignore. Its presence on the road is not just about speed—it’s about redefining the very language of automotive expression. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INTERESTING ENGINEERING AUTOBLOG | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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Ford Mustang GT Zagato: Muscle Meets Italian Design

Muscle Elegance - In the world of classic cars, few stories are as captivating as those born from unlikely collaborations. American muscle and Italian design rarely share the same garage, yet when they do, something unforgettable tends to happen. That is precisely the case with the 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione—a transatlantic experiment that blends Detroit power with Milanese artistry, and one that continues to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. 

The 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazion—a transatlantic experiment that blends Detroit power with Milanese artistry, and one that continues to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. . (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The project was conceived by Carrozzeria Zagato, the legendary Milan-based coachbuilder renowned for crafting elegant Alfa Romeos and iconic Aston Martins, including the celebrated DB4 GT Zagato. In 1967, Zagato set its sights on an all-American icon: a Ford Mustang GT (chassis No. 7T02A201813) built at Ford’s New Jersey plant on February 21. The car was shipped to Italy that spring and underwent a full transformation under Zagato’s meticulous hand. Unveiled at the Turin Auto Show, this reimagined Mustang—sometimes called the Shelby Zagato—was intended for limited production, with a proposed price increase of 400,000 lire over a standard GT. In the end, only two were ever completed, instantly earning its place among the rarest Mustangs in history.

The 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione front end was reshaped with a narrower grille, a smoother valance, and distinctive rectangular Carello headlights. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Originally finished in Wimbledon White, this particular GT received a dramatic redesign. The front end was reshaped with a narrower grille, a smoother valance, and distinctive rectangular Carello headlights. Turn signals were repositioned above a reworked bumper, while a bonnet scoop and Zagato badging on the fenders reinforced its bespoke identity. The roofline gained a revised rear window, and subtle alterations at the back refined the overall silhouette. To meet Italian historic certification requirements, the car was ultimately repainted in Holly Green—the same shade it wore when first delivered to its Italian owner. Today, that deep green finish underscores the car’s European character while preserving its American soul. 

The 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione roofline gained a revised rear window, and subtle alterations at the back refined the overall silhouette. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Inside, the cabin balances 1960s Mustang familiarity with Zagato’s custom touch. White-trimmed bucket seats with black inserts replace the standard upholstery, lending a refined yet period-correct atmosphere. Details such as an AM radio, rear C-pillar vents, and period-style air conditioning enhance its vintage authenticity. The odometer reads just 502 kilometers, although the true mileage is unknown; historically, the first owner reportedly drove the car around 46,000 kilometers before retiring it to storage in 1983. After years hidden in a shed, it resurfaced in 1995 when it was purchased by the current owner’s father and restored with careful respect for its unusual modifications—even before its Zagato origins were formally confirmed. 

The 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione blends classic Mustang familiarity with Zagato’s bespoke flair inside, featuring white-trimmed bucket seats with black inserts that replace the standard upholstery and create a refined yet period-correct atmosphere. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Under the hood remains the Mustang’s original 4.7-litre Challenger Special V8, equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and stainless headers. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the setup is believed to produce around 202 kW and 423 Nm of torque—figures that keep the car firmly within classic muscle territory. Despite its rarity, this Zagato-built Mustang is far from a static museum piece. In 2021, it participated in the legendary Mille Miglia, demonstrating that its mechanical condition matches its visual drama. It currently rides on 14-inch steel wheels wrapped in aging whitewall tires, a reminder that even the rarest classics remain rooted in their era. 

The 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione retains its original 4.7-litre Challenger Special V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and stainless headers, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The car’s documented history adds further depth. In 2018, a photograph discovered in the Zagato archives showing the Mustang in front of the factory provided definitive proof of its authorship. The following year, it was repainted in its correct green and officially certified by Zagato, as well as by ASI and FIVA. It later featured in respected publications such as “Autoitaliana” and “Octane” in 2020. | dsrk9EOGvjo |

Remarkably, when one of the two examples recently changed hands at auction for €155,000, the figure was substantial yet far from astronomical—roughly comparable to a well-executed restomod Mustang. Considering its one-of-two status and direct connection to a celebrated Italian design house, that price underscores how uniquely positioned the Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione is: a car that bridges continents, challenges purists, and continues to rewrite what a Mustang can be nearly six decades after it first crossed the Atlantic. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | SILODROME | DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]

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Fiat 125 GTZ by Zagato: A Bold Expression of Italian Automotive Design

Coachbuilt Brilliance - In the golden era of Italian automotive design, when creativity flowed as freely as espresso in a Turin café, carmakers were not afraid to experiment. The late 1960s became a playground for bold ideas, where practicality and passion often collided in fascinating ways. From that atmosphere emerged a car that perfectly captured the spirit of its time: the 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ by Zagato. More than just a modified sedan, it was a statement about what could happen when imagination met engineering discipline. 

The 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ by Zagato transformation was entrusted to Zagato, with collaboration from Officine Stampaggi Industriali. (Picture from: MrCarFacts in X)

The project brought together the creative minds of Milan and Turin. While Fiat provided the solid mechanical foundation of the 125 S, the transformation was entrusted to Zagato, with collaboration from Officine Stampaggi Industriali. Under the sharp design direction of Ercole Spada, the practical four-door Fiat 125 Berlina was reimagined into a compact and sporty 2+2 coupe. The wheelbase was shortened by 24 centimeters, dramatically altering its proportions and giving the car a more agile, purposeful stance. When it appeared in bright yellow at the Turin Auto Show, it instantly drew attention—not just for its color, but for its daring reinterpretation of a family sedan. 

The 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ by Zagato exterior lines were taut and clean, with a low roofline that contrasted sharply against the upright Berlina from which it originated. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Visually, the 125 GTZ carried Zagato’s unmistakable signature. Its exterior lines were taut and clean, with a low roofline that contrasted sharply against the upright Berlina from which it originated. One of its most striking elements was the integrated roll bars, seamlessly built into the structure. These were not merely decorative flourishes; they added a sense of structural integrity while reinforcing the car’s sporty identity. The cabin, configured as a 2+2, balanced intimacy with usability. Though more compact than the sedan, it retained enough practicality for occasional rear passengers, blending comfort with a cockpit-like driving environment that emphasized control and engagement. 

The 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ by Zagato cabin, configured as a 2+2, balanced intimacy with usability. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Beneath its sculpted bodywork sat a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing around 100 horsepower. In today’s numbers-driven automotive world, that figure may seem modest, but in 1967 it delivered lively and responsive performance. The shortened wheelbase, combined with the relatively lightweight coupe body, created a dynamic character that felt eager on winding roads and composed in city traffic. It was not built to dominate racetracks, but it carried a spirited personality that made every drive feel intentional. The mechanical simplicity also reflected the engineering philosophy of its era—straightforward, robust, and honest.

Originally conceived as a one-off showpiece rather than a mass-production model, the 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ occupies a unique place in automotive history. It symbolizes a time when Italian coachbuilders could reinterpret mainstream platforms into artistic, limited expressions of style and innovation. Today, as the automotive industry moves toward electrification and digitalization, the GTZ stands as a reminder of the human touch in design—when proportions, craftsmanship, and bold ideas defined progress. Its legacy continues to resonate among enthusiasts who appreciate not just speed or rarity, but the creativity that shaped some of Italy’s most memorable machines. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MRCARFACTS IN X ]

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Chrysler TurboFlite: The Jet-Powered Concept Time Left Behind

Jetborne Tomorrow - Progress has always been fueled by bold imagination. From jetliners slicing through the sky to rockets piercing the atmosphere, the mid-20th century was a time when humanity believed the future would arrive faster than expected. Automakers, inspired by that same optimism, translated aerospace dreams into rolling sculptures. Among the most daring of these visions was the 1961 Chrysler TurboFlite, a concept that captured the spirit of the Space Age and dared to suggest that piston engines might soon become relics of the past. 

The Chrysler TurboFlite Concept, a concept that captured the spirit of the Space Age and dared to suggest that piston engines might soon become relics of the past. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Created through a collaboration between Chrysler and the Italian design house Ghia, the TurboFlite looked less like a family car and more like a personal spacecraft. Its low, aerodynamic nose reduced frontal drag, while the outer headlamps discreetly retracted beneath the fender edges when not in use. Instead of a traditional roof, the car featured a dramatic canopy that automatically tilted upward when the recessed door handle was pressed, transforming entry into a theatrical experience. Conventional side windows were abandoned in favor of large panels hinged from the roof that swung outward for ventilation. Inside, four passengers were surrounded by brushed aluminum seating and electroluminescent lighting that gave the cabin an otherworldly glow, reinforcing the feeling that this machine belonged to tomorrow. 

The Chrysler TurboFlite Concept was born from a collaboration between Chrysler and the Italian design house Ghia, and it looked less like a family car than a personal spacecraft poised for launch. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

The rear design was even more audacious. Twin vertical stabilizers rose from the fenders to form a sweeping basket-handle wing, a shape that would later echo in high-performance Chrysler products built for NASCAR. Unlike those later race cars, however, the TurboFlite’s wing was not intended to generate downforce. It functioned as an air brake, automatically deploying increased drag when the driver pressed the brake pedal. The system could be disabled for urban driving, but at highway speeds it served a critical purpose. Turbine engines, unlike conventional piston engines, provided virtually no engine braking when the throttle was lifted, meaning the car relied almost entirely on hydraulic brakes to slow down. The air brake was Chrysler’s solution to reduce brake fade during repeated high-speed stops. 

The Chrysler TurboFlite Concept featured a more audacious rear design, with twin vertical stabilizers rising from the fenders to form a sweeping basket-handle wing that would later echo in high-performance Chrysler models built for NASCAR. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

At the heart of the TurboFlite was Chrysler’s third-generation CR2A gas turbine engine. Thanks to a variable turbine nozzle design, spool-up time dropped dramatically—from seven seconds in earlier versions to roughly one and a half seconds—bringing acceleration closer to what drivers expected from piston-powered cars. Chrysler even claimed impressive fuel economy during cross-country testing in a turbine-powered prototype based on the Dodge Dart, though later independent tests were less flattering, sometimes reporting figures barely above 10 miles per gallon. High exhaust temperatures also posed engineering challenges. Still, the CR2A demonstrated that turbine technology had matured significantly compared to earlier experiments, offering smoother operation and fewer moving parts than traditional engines. 

The Chrysler TurboFlite Concept extended its aircraft-inspired theme inside with a pyrometer gauge, oversized pedals for left-foot braking, and a horn activated by squeezing the steering wheel rim. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Safety and driver awareness were central themes in the TurboFlite’s design. The vertical fins integrated eye-level brake lights that used bright illumination for daytime visibility and dimmer output for nighttime driving—an idea that predated federally mandated high-mounted stop lamps by decades. Another forward-thinking feature was an amber warning light across the full-width taillamp panel, which illuminated when the driver lifted off the accelerator to signal a change in momentum to following traffic. Inside the cockpit, aircraft inspiration continued with a pyrometer measuring exhaust gas temperature, oversized accelerator and brake pedals encouraging left-foot braking, and even a horn activated by squeezing the inner rim of the steering wheel. Not every innovation proved practical, but each reflected a willingness to rethink convention. | f-xJi5zfTtA | 

Although the TurboFlite dazzled audiences on the auto show circuit, it never advanced beyond concept form. Chrysler continued refining turbine-powered passenger cars for years, yet technical limitations and real-world drawbacks ultimately outweighed the advantages. Even so, the TurboFlite’s influence stretched far beyond its brief spotlight. Full-width taillights later appeared on production models such as the 1966 Dodge Charger, and the idea of a high-speed air brake would resurface decades later on hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron. The future imagined in 1961 did not unfold exactly as predicted, but the TurboFlite remains a vivid reminder that progress is often shaped by ideas that arrive too early—concepts that time may forget, yet never entirely leave behind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | TOPGEAR | STORY-CARS ]

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Fageol Pataray: The 1952 Custom Roadster Born from a Supersonic Legacy

Supersonic Legacy - Innovation in the automotive world has always thrived at the edges—where experimentation meets imagination and where discarded parts are given a second life. In the early 1950s, when America was obsessed with chrome, speed, and optimism, one extraordinary machine emerged from unlikely beginnings. That car was the Fageol Pataray, a singular custom roadster born not from a corporate design studio, but from resourcefulness, family legacy, and the bold creativity of a young enthusiast determined to make his mark. 

The 1952 Fageol Pataray Rodster, a singular custom roadster born not from a corporate design studio, but from resourcefulness, family legacy, and the bold creativity of a young enthusiast determined to make his mark. (Picture from: Hemmings)

The story of the Pataray is inseparable from the Fageol family, a name associated with buses and commercial vehicles rather than flashy show cars. Lou Fageol had previously created the striking Fageol Supersonic, a streamlined coupe designed to promote his company’s propane-powered buses. Its sleek, futuristic body caught attention—so much so that in 1952, Hudson Motorcar Company requested the Supersonic’s body to mount on a Hornet chassis for promotional use. Once the Supersonic’s body was removed, what remained was an unusual rolling chassis—a Lincoln frame paired with a Packard rear axle—quietly stored on the Fageol family farm in Ravenna, Ohio. What looked like leftover hardware to some became a canvas of possibility to others. 

The 1952 Fageol Pataray Roadster was adorned with a dramatic long-nosed design that felt equally like a raw hot rod and a finely crafted rolling sculpture, blending aggression with artistic flair. (Picture from: JalopyJournal)

That opportunity was seized by Ray Fageol, Lou’s son and a student at Kent State University at the time. With his father’s blessing, Ray set out to design and build an entirely new body for the abandoned chassis. He enlisted skilled metal craftsmen Frankie Stoer, who shaped aluminum components, and Dave Rankin, who worked with steel. Together, they crafted a dramatic long-nosed roadster that felt equal parts hot rod and rolling sculpture. The design blended elements from multiple sources: a Chevrolet grille and front fenders, rear quarters and taillights from an Oldsmobile 88, and even a tapered tail section salvaged from a crashed 1946 Indy Special. Rather than hiding these varied origins, the Pataray embraced them, forming a cohesive yet daring automotive collage. 

The 1952 Fageol Pataray Roadster blended components from various sources, including a Chevrolet grille and front fenders, Oldsmobile 88 rear quarters and taillights, and a tapered tail from a crashed 1946 Indy Special. (Picture from: JalopyJournal)

Visually, the Pataray was impossible to ignore. Its extended nose gave it an aggressive, forward-thrusting stance, while the sculpted rear tapered elegantly, hinting at speed even when parked. The engine hood, reportedly fashioned from a steel tank cut in half, added to its handcrafted character. Inside, the cockpit retained unexpected touches, including a bus seat and a Miller Ford racing speedometer—details that spoke to both its utilitarian roots and performance ambitions. The exterior was finished in a bold blue and yellow two-tone paint scheme, amplifying its show-stopping presence. Under the hood sat a 300-horsepower Fageol inline-six bus engine, an unconventional choice that reinforced the car’s identity: part industrial powerhouse, part custom dream machine. 

The 1952 Fageol Pataray Roadster featured a distinctive rear design highlighted by a gracefully tapered tail section salvaged from a crashed 1946 Indy Special, giving the car a dramatic and race-inspired finish. (Picture from: JalopyJournal)

Recognition came quickly. In May 1953, the Pataray appeared on the cover of Mechanics Illustrated, introducing it to a national audience fascinated by innovation and custom car culture. It was also displayed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a remarkable achievement for a vehicle built from repurposed parts and personal passion. The name “Pataray” itself blended Ray’s name with that of his wife, Pats, giving the car a personal dimension that went beyond metal and horsepower. Yet life moved forward. After the birth of his son, Ray relocated to the West Coast and sold the car, setting the stage for a long and unpredictable journey. | 2ryA09BDBpU |

Decades later, the Pataray resurfaced in the 1990s under the ownership of San Diego dealer Don Tonyto. In a twist that feels almost cinematic, Ray unexpectedly encountered his old creation at a dealership but was unable to reclaim it before it was stolen. Following Tonyto’s tragic death in 2000, the car was eventually tracked down in a Palm Springs warehouse by a private investigator and acquired by its current owner. Today, the Fageol Pataray stands not merely as a rare custom roadster, but as a living chapter of American automotive history—an artifact of postwar ingenuity, youthful ambition, and the enduring belief that something extraordinary can rise from what others leave behind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPORTSCARDIGEST | CONCEPTCARZ | SUPERCARS.NET | JALOPYJOURNAL | HEMMINGS ]

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