Factory Destroyed: Beloved Roadster Company Lost in Christmas Fire

Containing Fire at 48k-sqft Facility: 100+ FIrefighters

Updated 12/28/23: Initially composed on the 27th of December, 2023, this post has been altered with details regarding the charity page for The Roadster Factory on GoFundMe.

The renowned Roadster Factory, notorious for supplying parts for classic British sports vehicles, has tragically been ravaged by a blaze that occurred on Christmas Day at their Indiana County, Pennsylvania premises, the Tribune Democrat reveals.

The fire chief declared the company’s 48,000-square-foot edifice to be completely ruined following a full day spent in subduing the flames. Two counties in Pennsylvania had approximately one hundred firefighters dispatched, according to The Tribune Democrat, when word of the fire was reported to Armagh and East Wheatfield Fire Department shortly after 1am on Christmas day.

Fire crews were observed combing through the ruins of the building as late as noon on Christmas to put out any remaining embers that could reignite the blaze. “I’d estimate we’ll be here for 20 hours,” remarked Armagh and East Wheatfield Township fire Chief Tom Fry to The Tribune Democrat, “and then we’ll likely be summoned back.”

Since 1978, The Roadster Factory has been a trusted source for parts for vintage British sports cars, such as MG and Triumph. As a “British Motor Heritage Approved Supplier,” they have direct access to original-equipment parts as well as quality reproductions, as stated on their website. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, The Roadster Factory is dedicated to providing their customers with the best possible parts and services.

Several vehicles were inside the structure at the time the blaze erupted, yet only three were extracted by the firemen prior to the establishment crumbling, CBS Pittsburgh reports. It is not clear how many automobiles were lost due to the fire.

Thankfully, there were no serious injuries; however, some firefighters suffered from minor wounds as they dealt with the rubble.

The cause of the blaze is indefinite. According to The Tribune Democrat, the Pennsylvania state fire marshal has been consulted so as to conduct an investigation.

Albert Runyan, proprietor of The Factory, was present when the firefighters battled the blaze and mellowed to comment upon being probed by The Tribune Democrat. In regards to helping out with the restoration and refurbishment costs, a GoFundMe page has been organized. Also, the news desk at The Roadster Manufacturing Unit have been contacted longing for more details. We will certainly append this article when we get further updates.

Car restoration business destroyed after fire