Showcase: 1956 Bangert Manta Ray

Showcase
1956  Bangert  Manta  Ray
Design  by  Noel  (Marshall)  Bangert
Owner:  Jack  Farr,  Cresson,  Texas

—  Based  on  The  Styling  of  the  Buick  Wildcat  II  Concept  Car  —
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History  of  This  Car

Noel Bangert launched his first car to the public in 1954. Called the “Stag”, it was modeled after Indianapolis race cars and was driven on the west coast by famous drivers such as Bill Pollack at Willow Springs and other tracks. Spurred on by success, Noel brought out his second car in 1955, called the “Manta Ray,” aimed at both the sports and race car market.

His inspiration for the design was the 1954 Buick Wildcat II show car built from the new wonder material – fiberglass. Noel’s second car met with great acclaim and magazines featured his Manta Ray in both racing and sport car form. It also appeared at the 1955 Petersen Motorama.

This Manta Ray was built by Elwood Cauffman, of Whittier, California, who used a tubular frame, and installed a high performance V-8. In 2015 it appeared on Ray Evernham’s “AmeriCarna” Velocity Channel TV show in unrestored condition. After its appearance, the restoration began and it debuted in its newly restored condition at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance with Ray Evernham on hand.  This is one of four known Bangert Manta Ray sports cars that exist today.

Technical  Specifications

  • Body Design: Noel Bangert (Marshall) designer
  • Built By: Elwood Caufmann, Whittier, California
  • Completed: 1956
  • Engine: Originally built with Ford Flathead V8 / Later upgraded to small block Chevrolet
  • Transmission: 3 speed Ford
  • Brakes: Drum brakes front and rear
  • Wheels: Halibrand style kidney bean style
  • Wheelbase: 99 inches

Racing  Posters  Showing  The  Bangert  Manta  Ray

Manta  Ray  Race  Cars  At  Speed

Motor Life Magazine: April, 1958

Hot Rod Magazine: December, 1957

“Build”  Poster  /  Brochure

Background  Reading

The  Remarkable  1956  Manta  Ray  By  Noel  Bangert
Silodrome:  May  1st,  2020
Click  Here

The  Legendary  1956  Elwood  Cauffman  Bangert  Manta  Ray
Undiscovered  Classics:  May  31,  2011
Click  Here

Articles  on  Bangert  Sports  Cars
Undiscovered  Classics:  Various
Click  Here

Concours  d’Elegance  Appearances

This Manta Ray debuted at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance with Ray Evernham on-hand to celebrate its return for public display.  Since then, it has also been on special display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Sarasota, Florida, a special exhibition at an event in Norwalk, Connecticut and a display at the corporate office of DuPont Registry in Clearwater, Florida.

Ray Evernham With Bangert Manta Ray at its Debut at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance