An pioneer car builder, Lee was heavily involved in the industry in the early days of the event. Frayer, who lived most of his adult life in Columbus, Ohio was a key player in hot rod and automobile history. Lee began his automotive career in the 1890's on a four-wheel buggy, adapting, with his partner, William Miller, Columbus Buggies move from horse to automobile power. In 1902, Frayer-Miller began designing and building automobiles in tandem with Oscar Lear's Automobile Company. In 1905, the duo designed the first six-cylinder automobile in the US, with an innovative air cooling system designed to protect the car from the tough winters Ohio suffered. Frayer also began racing around this time, competing in long-distance road events. Also in 1905, Frayer took on a young apprentice who would learn and develop from Lee how to build and race cars. That apprentice was Eddie Rickenbacher, who without Lee would likely not have enjoyed the success he did. In 1906, Lee developed a four cylinder model and took Rickenbacher on as his riding mechanic for racing. In 1907, Frayer-Miller then developed a partnership with a fire equipment specialist to become the first designers of a non-horse drawn fire engine. The company then also developed taxis and trucks as well as designing and developing their engines. The duo also worked on numerous automobile innovations, which included semi and full floating rear axles; rear axle stabilisers, a shock absorber mounted on the rear axle tube and acetylene powered head lamps. However in 1909, the company went bankrupt due to competition from Henry Ford, who in truth, was a much better businessman than the duo. If anything, it gave Lee more time to do more racing before recognising Rickenbacher was the greater talent before stepping back from the sport and the industry.

Biography last updated 11 Aug 2017