Paragon (automobile)

• Name — Detroit Automobile Manufacturing Company • Fate — Sold • Successor — Marvel Motor Car Company • Hq Location — Detroit, Michigan • Hq Location Country — United States • Key People — J. P. La Vigne

J. P. La Vigne built his first automobile in 1898, and with his daughter Olive continued with experimental cars and other inventions until 1905 when the Detroit Automobile Manufacturing Company was set-up. The factory at 284–290 Rivard Street in Detroit first produced the La Petite which was displayed at the Detroit Automobile Show. J. P. La Vigne was unhappy with his engine manufacturer and left the company. Detroit Automobile Manufacturing change the name of the car to Paragon and produced it through 1906. The La Petite and Paragon were a small two-seat runabout weighing only 650 pounds. They were equipped with a 0.7 liter, single-cylinder 5-hp engine and sold for $375,. The only difference between the two was La Petite had a 65-inch wheelbase and the Paragon was 68-inches. • Illustration — 1905 La Petite automobile from Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal • Illustration — 1906 Paragon Car advertisement from Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal