Help Restore a WWII Landmark: The Tank Test Center
A Hidden Gem. A Living Legacy. A Treasure Worth Saving.
Just off Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township sits a piece of American history that too often goes unnoticed. The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site may be tucked away behind a modest entrance—but for those who turn in and take the time to walk its grounds, it leaves a lasting impression.
This isn’t just where innovation happened—it’s where history comes alive. The smell of motor oil and history. The sight of classic Packards lovingly preserved. The spirit of a time when American industry rose to meet the world’s greatest challenges. Visitors often tell us: “I had no idea this was here—and now I can’t stop thinking about it.”
Among its historic buildings is the Tank Test Center, constructed during WWII and designed by William Kapp—the largest on site, is awaiting restoration. With your help, we can give this building the attention it deserves and ensure it continues serving as a home for history, education, and community.
Thousands drive past without realizing what’s tucked away just behind the Proving Grounds’ gates.
A Legacy of Power and Purpose
During World War II, the Tank Test Center played a crucial role in the testing of tanks. As part of the war effort, the Packard Motor Car Company helped engineer the machinery that would push back against tyranny overseas. The Tank Test Center was built for that very purpose—an unshakable space designed to house power.
The Tank Test Center helped prepare tanks for the front lines.
Today, it continues to serve. It now protects the Packard Motor Car Foundation’s rare collection of automobiles and historical artifacts, including the legendary Miss America X speedboat. But this building—like the stories it holds—needs preservation to thrive.
Inside the Tank Test Center: home to artifacts, rare Packards and the legendary Miss America X.
Why Restoration Matters
While the Tank Test Center remains structurally sound and historically intact, it lacks the modern systems needed to fully protect what’s inside – and to make the space comfortably usable year-round. Without fire suppression, climate control, or updated electrical infrastructure, the rare vehicles and artifacts it houses remain vulnerable to environmental risks.
These updates won’t just preserve the building – they’ll enhance its long-term functionality. With proper systems in place, the Tank Test Center can expand its role at the Packard Proving Grounds as a space for future exhibits, educational tours, and community events.
A passionate team of volunteers and experts have come together to design a responsible, effective plan. It includes:
- A comprehensive fire suppression and fire alarm system
- Full HVAC installation for stable temperature and humidity
- Lighting, electrical, and safety upgrades
The total project cost is just under $400,000. Thanks to early support from our board and volunteers, $110,815 has already been pledged to the Tank Test Center project (as of this article’s publish date). We’re on our way—but we can’t do it alone.
A Place That Brings People Together
The Packard Proving Grounds isn’t just a historical site—it’s a hub for real connection. Every week, the buildings come to life: timeless weddings, farmers markets on the lawn, classic car cruise-ins that connect generations. It’s a living legacy, woven into the fabric of the Shelby Township community.
By restoring the Tank Test Center, we’re not only protecting our past—we’re expanding our ability to serve the present. This space will once again welcome visitors, inspire future innovators, and offer a setting where community and history meet.
