Engineered to Vanish: Packard, the Cold War Non-Magnetic Engine, and the Rise of the Big Three
When most people think of Packard, they nostalgically picture opulent luxury cars and the pinnacle of Detroit craftsmanship.
Entries by Kim Parr
Maeterlinck’s 1938 Packard Twelve 1607
Our 1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Club Sedan was not only one of the most prestigious American automobiles of its day, it was exported new to France for the family of Maurice Maeterlinck, the 1911 Nobel Prize–winning dramatist, poet, and essayist.
Was Every Packard Vehicle Tested?
This is a question often asked by our visitors. The answer is yes, but not every Packard was tested at the Packard Proving Grounds after Packard built another testing track just outside of its plant in Detroit.
Living in the Lodge: 1930 Census Lodgers (Beatrice Wilda Heatherington Bittman)
The Packard Proving Grounds was more than a vehicle testing site – it was home, and a chapter in the lives of those who lived and worked there.
Living in the Lodge: 1930 Census Lodgers (Raymond Gustave Heinrich)
The Packard Proving Grounds was more than a vehicle testing site – it was home, and a chapter in the lives of those who lived and worked there.
Living in the Lodge: 1930 Census Lodgers (Sophie Smolinski Miller)
The Packard Proving Grounds was more than a vehicle testing site – it was home, and a chapter in the lives of those who lived and worked there.
‘Twas a Night Before Christmas 1939 at Packard Proving Grounds
Our goal is to lead up to our 100th anniversary in 2028. Following the timeline that the Vincent family lived in the Lodge allows us to recognize the years of 1928 to 1942.
Packard Rosies on the Homefront
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading France and Great Britain to declare war against Germany. Thus began WWII.
America was hesitant to get involved after suffering many losses during the Great War, enduring the Spanish Flu, and still struggling through the Great Depression.
Packard’s Popular Patrician
Packard produced only one four-door Senior Sedan in 1956 and that was the Patrician. Its factory introduction was held on November 3, 1955.
The Patrician’s body styling included a redesigned grille that had a mesh-type insert with a gridwork of vertical and horizontal chrome bars placed against it. The headlight hoods were extended to give a brow look. And, the bumper guards were moved directly under the headlights.
