Fageol

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Fageol Products Co.

Twin Coach Company

Kent, Ohio

Louis J. Fageol, a famed raceboat driver, in 1955 designed the Fageol VIP (Vertical Inboard Power) while recovering from being thrown from the Slo-Mo-Shun V in a qualifying run. Fageol served as president of the Twin Coach Company in Kent, Ohio, a manufacturer of buses that diversified into other vehicles as well as wing and fuselage assemblies for the Boeing B-52 bomber and other aircraft. He took over as president in 1945 from the company chairperson and his father, Frank R. Fageol. With this firm, he launched the Fageol venture into the marine industry.

Based on the 44 cu. in. block of the Crosley automobile engine, the Fageol VIP developed 35 HP and sold 4000 units within 4 months of being introduced in August 1956. Fageol bought the manufacturing rights from General Tire who previously offered the motor for vee-drive marine applications, marketed as the Aerojet. Fageol continued to offer the 44 cu. in. block as a vee-drive in addition to the VIP and an outboard version. As a VIP, the block was vertically mounted to an outboard motor-type lower unit which swiveled as one complete unit. The Fageol VIP found a niche as a lightweight, economical competitor to gas-thirsty 2-cycle outboard motors and heavy, expensive inboard motors that require a rudder and drive shaft. For improved performance, Fageol offered carburetor and supercharger options that would increase output to 45 HP.

For 1957, Fageol announced the VIP 88- two 44 cu. in. blocks joined together to produce 80 HP. In 1958, the Fageol 44 was rated at 40 HP, and two 60 cu. in. models with larger bores: the Fageol 60 at 50 HP, and the Fageol Gold Cup 60 at 55 HP.

Fageol Products was sold to Crofton Manufacturing of Los Angeles, California in 1959 and some additional motors were made. The motor design itself survived on as the Homelite 55 HP, later the Fisher-Pierce Bearcat.

Additional History

April 1957 Popular Boating