Fred Offenhauser

In the history of hot rods and speed equipment, there are two Fred Offenhauser that plays an important role. Fred Offenhauser that started and operated Offenhauser Equipment Coproration, and his uncle Fred that started and operated Offenhauser Engine Company.

Fred Offenhauser of Offenhauser Engine Company

Fred Offenhauser ((1888 - 1973)) was a toolmaker who began working for Harry A. Miller Manufacturing Company of Los Angeles, California in 1913. In 1914 Fred was put in charge of developing an inline six-cylinder aircfraft engine. The engine he made is known as the first original "Miller" engine. Fred became a master machinist, and with the drafting skills of Leo Goosen, the team become important in the development of Miller's racin engines. When Harry A. Miller Manufacturing Company when bankrupt in 1933, Fred bought the rights for several of the "Miller" engines. He also retained Leo as the chief design engineer for his new company named Offenhauser Engine Company.

Cars Built by Fred Offenhauser

The Golden Submarine

Fred Offenhauser of Offenhauser Equipment Corporation

Fred Offenhauser was born October 4, 1917 in Perris, California. After graduating from high school in 1935 Fred's family moved to 1712 Mansfield Avenue in west Los Angeles. Their house was located 2 blocks away from his uncle Fred's engine plant Offenhauser Engine Company. Fred began to work as a machinist in his uncle's plant. After a while his brother Carl also joined the company working as a machinist. While working for his uncle, Fred had a vision of one day taking over the company. When his uncle sold his firm to Luis Meyer and Dale Drake in 1946, Fred knew that his dream of owning his uncle's business was over.

After leaving Offenhauser Engine Company, Fred and another former employee Fran Hernandez opened up their own shop called Offenhauser Equipment Corporation.