Packard – brothers James Ward Packard and William Doud Packard started out
manufacturing Packard electric incandescent lamps in 1891, which were later sold
under the name General Electric. In 1899 the brothers started to manufacture
Packard automobiles. This brand was known as one of the top quality US cars
available, but they were also very expensive and very few people could afford
them. They were also very innovative and offered some very advanced features
and managed to break many records.
In 1903 one Tom Fletcher was first to cross the USA from the West to the East
Coast in 61 days. Quite remarkable considering the roads, or the lack thereof at
that time. The single, as well as the five mile record was broken by a Packard racing
car in 1904. A luxury six cylinder 48 model was launched as early as 1912, with a
choice of nine different bodies, electric lights and starter motor with total sales
of 1’329 cars.
A big step was their V12 engined mass produced car in 1915, which was followed
with a V12 Aircraft engine, which they supplied to the Government from 1917.
From 1924 onwards a six cylinder engine was used and four wheel breaks became
standard. The depression hit Packard very hard, but sales recovered with 37’653
units sold in 1935 and 95’455 in 1937.
After the Second World War Packard took over the Studebaker Company which
was loosing money. This severely drained Packard, which closed its doors in
1956, and Studebaker eventually closed down in 1958.
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