Packard History (105)The Packard Motor Car Company was responsible for some of the most coveted automobiles ever made. The company, formed in response to a challenge to one of its founders, was so confident in the quality of its cars that its slogan was "Ask the man who owns one."
James Ward Packard was told to create his own automobile if he ever wanted reliability in a car. So, in 1899, the first Packard Model A was borne of the partnership between Packard, George Lewis Weiss, and Packard's brother, William Doud Packard.
The company is credited with revolutionary innovations that are still in use today, such as the American 12-cylinder engine, back-up lights, air conditioning, padded dashboards and automatic windows.
Although Packard created beautiful, reliable custom cars for more than 50 years, it was ultimately unable to compete in the ruthless automobile market of the 1950s. Join us for a look at the history of the company still remembered for its innovations and tradition of quality.
Packard Facts:
- The 1941 Packard that was custom-created for Barnum & Bailey's circus could seat 30 midget clowns and a mule.
- During World War II, Packard produced (among other things) P-T boat engines.
- Packard was one of the first companies to provide paid vacations for its workers.
- The Packard Motor Company created the 'H' pattern for manual transmission gear shifters.
- Packard owners included Errol Flynn, Gene Autry, Clara Bow, Jean Harlow and Babe Ruth.
- Packard shipped more than 55,000 engines during WWII—five times more than the production of the five British companies combined.
Contact Information:
The Packard Club
420 S. Ludlow Street
Dayton, OH 45202
800-527-3452
www.packardclub.org
