At the Pinnacle of Success: The Classic Era (1919-1942)
Packard was the premier luxury automobile brand from the end of World War I until production ended for World War II.
During this golden age, Packard was unsurpassed for its design, reliability, engineering, and custom coachwork. Iconic models included the Packard Standard & Super Eight, introduced as powerful inline-eight engines and smooth performance, serving as the backbone of luxury ownership. The Packard Twelve, originally the Twin Six, was a masterpiece of mechanical refinement and opulent styling. The Packard One-Twenty, launched in 1935 as a lower-priced "junior" model, broadened the brand's reach during the Great Depression.
The first appearance of the Packard "Goddess of Speed" hood ornament was in 1925 on the Packard Eight while the Cormorant or Swan appeared in the 1930s. The Adonis hood ornament was briefly used in the late 1920s. Be sure to see our page on Mascots.
Curator Stu Morris tells about the 1937 Packard Super Eight Limousine used by Ambassador Joseph Kennedy Sr.
Why did Packard stop car production in 1942? To support the war effort, it switched to building the famous Merlin V-1650 aircraft engines and the V12 marine engines used in PT boats.
View the Packard cars below, a sample of the types of vehicles on display at the Museum. The real joy is seeing them in person.
