Packard Proving Grounds Fall Open House Photos
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Packard Motor Car Co. opened its massive proving grounds in 1927 on what was farmland north of Detroit in what is now suburban Shelby Township, Michigan.
Volunteers and fund-raisers have been working over the years to restore the original Albert Kahn buildings at the proving grounds, which now host car shows such as the recent Fall Open House. All classics are welcome, but Packard luxury models are grouped together near the entrance.
True, the massive, abandoned Packard assembly plant 30 miles away in Detroit is being demolished—a process taking a few years because of its sheer size. But many of the cars live on with loving owners. Have a look at some of Packard's most important models.
Bill Whetstone's 1936 Packard 3 Window Coupe.
Dani Homrich's 1937 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria.
Joel and Sue Ray recently restored this 1956 Packard Caribbean.
This 1935 Packard 120 Sports Coupe owned by Ed Krupinski was built in Windsor, Ontario—the 26th of 26 like models assembled.
1935 Packard 120 Sports Coupe owned by Ed Krupinski.
Car dealer Bill Golling's 1948 Packard Super 8 Victoria, a 22nd Series model.
This 1948 Packard Deluxe 8 Touring Sedan belongs to former Autoweek staffer Graham Kozak and wife Nina.
Paul and Jean Gallagher own this 1949 Packard Deluxe Eight.
For the Fall Open House, Packard cars are clustered near the entrance of the proving grounds, while hundreds of other classic vehicles are welcomed as well.
This 1956 Packard Patrician Sedan was raffled off to a new home.
This 1953 Packard Convertible belongs to Craig Handley, co-author of Packard's Living Legacy: The Past, Present and Future of the Packard Club.
Kerry Truxell's 1928 Packard Six 533 Runabout.
Kerry Truxell also owns this 1928 Packard Six Runabout.
Larry Telles owns this 1955 Clipper Custom.
Larry Telles also owns this 1955 Clipper Sedan.
This gathering space, originally designed by noted architect Albert Kahn, now hosts weddings throughout the year.
Tom and Sally Skunda's 1937 Packard 120 C/D Sedan.
At left is Neil and Lois Porter's 1940 Packard Darrin Convertible.
Gangsters like to borrow this 1937 Packard Super 8 Formal Sedan from Roger and Donna Swantek.
Thomas Upton's 1956 Packard 400 painted in Scottish Heather and white.
PPG sign greets visitors entering off Van Dyke Avenue.