The Packard Automobile Company was fully established by 1909 producing 11,818 units that year. The first 6 cylinder engine was debuted, producing 74 horsepower (hp) in 1911. In December of 1912 an electric starter, electric lights, and left hand drive were also introduced.
WWI saw Packard’s reputation enhanced by the company’s role in the development of the Liberty engine, the finest airplane engine produced up to that time. A Liberty powered Packard racer broke all existing track records at Sheepshead Bay in 1917.
The Twin Six arrived in 1916 as the first 12 cylinder (V-12) car in production anywhere in the world. Production would continue through 1923 with more than 35,000 units sold. An L-head straight 6 engine was added in 1920 along with a straight 8 in 1924. Four-wheel brakes were also introduced in 1924.
This Packard sedan from 1928 has velvet upholstery, chrome trim, and roll up windows. The car also has windshield wipers and a windshield that will swing foreword allowing air to come into the passenger compartment. Big drum headlights adorn the front of the vehicle and the hood ornament is a motometer, or temperature gauge.
