Brooks Stevens’ Iconic Paxton Phoenix: Design, Innovation, and Timeless Appeal

Iconic ONES - In the realm of automotive history, certain names and innovations stand out, casting a long shadow over the industry. One such name is Robert Paxton McCulloch, whose aspirations extended far beyond the realm of chainsaws and superchargers. In the early 1950s, McCulloch set out to create something truly extraordinary—a steam-powered sports car that would dazzle the world. 

The Paxton Phoenix is now in the collection of Myron Vernis. He shows it regularly at concours events throughout the country. (Picture from: Hagerty)

This ambitious project materialized into the Paxton Phoenix, a vehicle that was as much a feat of engineering as it was a symbol of McCulloch’s indomitable spirit. The origins of the Paxton Phoenix are deeply rooted in McCulloch’s background. Founded in 1943, McCulloch Motors Company began as a manufacturer of chainsaws and quickly evolved into McCulloch Corporation, expanding its range to include go-karts and airplane engines. 

The Paxton Phoenix was previously on display at the Studebaker Museum as part of a Brooks Stevens tribute, with its exhibition running until April 1, 2024. (Picture from: Hemmings)

However, McCulloch’s vision was set on something grander—a steam-powered sports car designed to capture the imagination of the wealthy elite. By 1953, this vision was realized with the creation of the Paxton Phoenix, designed by the renowned Brooks Stevens.

A vintage promotional photo of the 1953 Paxton Phoenix prototype, envisioned as a mass-produced steam-powered automobile. (Picture from: NewYorkTimes)

The Paxton Phoenix was not merely a car; it was a testament to the innovative spirit of its time. Designed with a sleek, fiberglass body—a cutting-edge material for its era—the Phoenix was both lightweight and aesthetically striking. The car featured a distinctive design with headlights nestled deep within chromed scallops and a prominent, powerfully suggestive hood. 

The Paxton Phoenix, featuring headlamps set into nacelles—a Brooks Stevens hallmark—had its large front air inlet rendered unnecessary when powered by the Porsche engine. (Picture from: RevsInstitute)

Its exterior was adorned with a belt-line chrome strip running uninterrupted from front to rear, while a wide, shiny bumper highlighted its low-slung grille. The rear design drew inspiration from Stevens’ speedboat designs, and the vehicle boasted a fully retractable fiberglass top that seamlessly mimicked the shape of the deck lid.

Despite its 115-inch wheelbase, the Paxton Phoenix's modest front and rear overhangs provided a sleek appearance, while pushbuttons facilitated easy access to its generously sized doors. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Underneath this elegant exterior was an equally sophisticated interior. The Paxton Phoenix was equipped with a unique six-cylinder steam engine, a testament to McCulloch’s commitment to advanced technology. The engine was a refined version of Abner Doble’s earlier designs, featuring both high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders to maximize efficiency. 

The Paxton Phoenix, a beautiful car designed by Brooks Stevens, offers an early glimpse of the style that would later influence his Studebaker Hawk. (Picture from: Hagerty)

This setup allowed the car to achieve smooth, powerful performance, with a thermal efficiency comparable to advanced gasoline engines. The steam was generated in a front-mounted boiler, which was designed to heat water quickly and safely, ensuring the car could be ready to drive within 20 seconds of startup. An innovative water reuse system further enhanced its practicality.

Featuring a wheelbase of 115 inches rather than the final 118, this layout of the Paxton Phoenix includes its three-cylinder steam expander mounted above the rear wheels. (Picture from: RevsInstitute)

The Phoenix was powered by a Porsche drivetrain, which was installed as the steam engine development continued. Despite the promising performance of the steam engine, the project faced significant hurdles, including financial difficulties and a lack of investor interest. 

McCulloch and his team used a Porsche 356 as an engineering sample for the Phoenix, eventually installing its engine in the car for testing, where it still resides today. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Consequently, the steam-powered dream was shelved, and the car was left with its Porsche engine, which McCulloch drove occasionally. Unprepossessing though the Porsche 1500 Super four looked in the tail of the Paxton Phoenix, it gave good performance thanks to the experimental car’s remarkably light weight.

A clay model of the Paxton Phoenix takes shape in the styling studio at Paxton Engineering in Los Angeles. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Following McCulloch’s death in 1977, the Paxton Phoenix was acquired by Brooks Stevens, who displayed it in his personal museum until his passing in 1998. The car then found a new custodian in Myron Vernis, a passionate automotive collector from Akron, Ohio.

The Paxton’s design by Brooks Stevens ingeniously provided for its hard top to slide backward and down to nest snugly over the rear deck for full convertibility. (Picture from: RevsInstitute)

Vernis, who had been captivated by cars since childhood, purchased the Paxton Phoenix shortly after Stevens’ death and has preserved it for over 26 years. The car has been showcased at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and was previously part of a Brooks Stevens on display at the Studebaker Museum, with its exhibition running until April 1, 2024. | nUFmAIB1QuE |

The Paxton Phoenix remains a remarkable piece of automotive history, embodying a visionary's dream and showcasing the innovative spirit of its era. Its journey from McCulloch’s ambitious plans to its current status as a prized collectible highlights the enduring appeal of groundbreaking design and engineering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | | VIRTUAL STEAM CAR MUSEUM | UNDISCOVERED CLASSICS | NEWYORKTIMES | FACEBOOK'S STORY | REVS INSTITUTE | HEMMINGS | SUPERCARS.NET | WIKIPEDIA ]

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