Step Inside an Actual Packard Dealership
The largest artifact at America’s Packard Museum is the automotive history museum building itself.
Shown is a 1917 drawing of the planned building and as it looked in 1920. Look for the original 17 foot Packard neon dealership sign on the corner of Franklin St.
Take a virtual tour! Click on the image and come into the Museum!
The Citizen's Motorcar Company was founded in Cincinnati in 1906. In 1917, it opened a location at 420 South Ludlow Street in Dayton, in a building designed by Dayton architect Albert Pretzinger in the style of Albert Kahn. The building cost $80,000 and was built to be completely fireproof. The plans included options for adding three additional stories which were never built. This was not a dealership. Rather, as a distributorship, Packard Motor Car Company sold its vehicles directly to the public in Dayton.
The Showroom
When you enter America’s Packard Museum, you follow the footsteps of many discerning buyers, looking to purchase the finest and most prestigious automobile in America. The floor tiles, light fixtures, and decorations replicate the actual showroom. Look for the original radio in the general manager’s office.
The showroom is now named in honor of Robert E. Signom II, founder of America’s Packard Museum.
How You Can Help
We tell the Packard story for this and the next generation. Maintaining original cars and original buildings requires financial support, and we hope you will join us. Please learn more about our stewardship guidelines, corporate sponsorships, or how to have a private event at the Museum.
Happy motoring from all of us at America’s Packard Museum!
