The Packard Motor Car Company got its start in the late 19^th century but at that time was known as the Ohio Automobile Company. Formed by William Doud Packard, Michael O’Neill and George Lewis Weiss they set their goals on improving the design of the current automobiles. They were the innovators of many designs including the modern steering wheel. The Packard’s concentrated on the higher end cars with starting prices much higher than most of their competition. However the quality of their cars backed up the price and people of high society and heads of state where purchasing their cars.

At the turn of the century the Packard’s got the support of Henry Bourne Joy, who was so impressed by the quality of the car, that he enlisted a group of investors to back the company. On October 2^nd 1902 the Ohio Automobile Company became Packard Motor Car Company with James Ward as its President. The company then move its operations to Detroit. When the new plant opened its doors in 1903 it was thought to be the most modern automobile facility in the world.  

In the 1910’s Packard along with Pierce Arrow and Peerless were considered the 3 P’s of American Auto makers, making them among the top car producers of there time. In 1932 Packard introduced the twin six engine which would be renamed the Packard 12 for the rest of its run. Packard being an independent automaker did not have the advantage that Cadillac and Lincoln had being of larger corporate structured companies which could absorb loses easier. However Packard did out last many of its independent brethren such as Franklin, Stutz, Dusenberg and Pierce Arrow. During the late 30’s Packard introduce the 120 and 110 models. They were scaled back models which sold well and helped Packard to get through the depression.

During WWII Packard went to work on airplane engines which help power the P-51 Mustang fighters. They also built engines for PT Boats. When automobile production returned after the war Packard’s sold well but the body styles of the high and low end cars were virtually the same. Some of Packard’s prestige was starting to tarnish.  

In 1951 Packard restyled again however the results did not go over very well with the public. Trying to re-establish their luxury image Packard decided to branch off the lower end models to a separate model name, the Clipper. The idea was to spin off the Clipper into its own brand ala Mercury and Oldsmobile. After turning down offers to merge with Nash motors Packard in a last ditch effort to salvage their sinking sales bought Studebaker. The Packard’s of the mid and late 50’s however were a mere ghost of the great cars of the 30’s and by 1959 the Packard name was pulled from the market.

You can relive some of these great Packard’s of the past with our beautiful diecast car models. We have many different models and budgets for everyone. We also have a 1:32 scale of the 1941 Packard 180 Darrin model on our 1:32 scale page. Please browse the following page for the Packard you like.

Other Packards can be found on our Franklin Mint Page.

For International orders please contact us for shipping cost.