A Tragic Loss: Devastating Fire Destroys Collection of Historic Vehicles

Legacy of the Paxton Car

The Paxton Motor Car Company was a short-lived but significant venture in the history of automobile manufacturing. Founded in 1952 by a group of investors led by Earl "Madman" Muntz, the company set out to produce a high-performance sports car that would rival the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

The Paxton Phaeton

The Paxton Phaeton was the company's first and only model. It was a sleek, two-seater roadster with a fiberglass body and a powerful V8 engine. The car was well-received by critics and won several awards, but production was plagued by delays and financial problems.

The Paxton Motor Car Company closed its doors in 1954, after producing only a handful of Phaetons. However, the car remains a legendary figure in the annals of automotive history. It is considered one of the first American-made sports cars to challenge the dominance of European manufacturers.

A Devastating Loss

In a tragic turn of events, a fire broke out at a storage facility in Paxton, Illinois, where a collection of historic vehicles, including several Paxton Phaetons, was being kept. The fire quickly spread, destroying the entire collection.

The loss of these vehicles is a devastating blow to the automotive community. The Paxton Phaetons were rare and valuable pieces of automotive history. They were also a reminder of a time when American manufacturers could compete with the best that Europe had to offer.

The fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been accidental. The damage is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.