The Packard Employee Entrance from the Plant in Detroit has been safely mounted to the wall inside the Tank Test Center building and with the help of volunteer Ken Snyder and his woodworking abilities, it's looking more and more like it did back in the day.

Ken was able to re-create the transom from the original pieces that John MacArthur saved from when it was originally removed from the Packard Plant in downtown Detroit.

This project has a ways to go, but we're hoping it will make for an interesting backdrop for photos and events held in the TTC building at the Proving Grounds.

A LASTING INVESTMENT IN THE PACKARD FLEET

Steve Cizmas working on our 1942 Convertible, a part of the Packard Fleet.

The Packard Motor Car Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the PMCF Fleet Endowment, made possible through a generous gift made by Frank Wemple, dedicated to the long-term care and preservation of the Foundation's Packard automobile collection.

Our Packards are more than automobiles on display. They are working pieces of history that allow us to share Packard's engineering, craftsmanship, and legacy in a way few artifacts can. Keeping these historic vehicles safe, roadworthy, and properly preserved requires an ongoing commitment to specialized maintenance, repairs, parts, and restoration.

The new Fleet Endowment creates a dedicated source of support for that work. The original gift will remain invested, while a portion of the fund's earnings can be used each year toward eligible expenses associated with caring for the fleet.

Help Us Grow the Fleet Endowment

With the fund now established, we invite Packard enthusiasts, members, friends, and supporters to help it grow. Contributions of any size can strengthen this resource and help ensure the automobiles entrusted to the Foundation's care continue to be preserved, maintained, and—whenever possible—experienced as they were meant to be.

Supporting the Fleet Endowment is an investment in more than the automobiles themselves. It helps preserve the stories, innovation, craftsmanship, and people behind them, giving future generations the opportunity to experience an important part of Packard history firsthand.

To contribute to the PMCF Fleet Endowment, please designate your gift “Fleet Endowment” when making your contribution to the Packard Motor Car Foundation.



Together, we can keep the Packard Fleet—and the history it carries—moving forward.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

IN ANTONIO'S MEMORY, A COMMUNITY GIVES BACK.

What an incredible response from our community.

On August 19, the Packard Proving Grounds welcomed donors for a special American Red Cross Blood Drive held in memory of Antonio Casali III. Together, they donated 65 units of blood—128% of the drive’s goal—with the potential to help up to 195 hospital patients.

Among the 79 registered donors were 18 first-time donors, along with four Power Red donors who contributed eight Power Red units.

For Antonio, blood donations were an important part of his story. Born at just 23 weeks, he spent nearly five months in the NICU and received more than 17 blood transfusions. This drive offered his family and our community a meaningful way to carry his memory forward by giving that same lifesaving gift to others.

To Antonio’s family, every donor who participated, and everyone who helped make the day possible: thank you. What a beautiful way to honor a little boy who was full of love and life.

Be sure to reserve a time slot for our next Blood Drive on October 13th and help make a difference in our community.

PACKARD BLOG

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WELCOME AT PACKARD

written by Amanda Demo

For many high school students, community service hours are an important step toward graduation. At the Packard Proving Grounds, they can also become an opportunity to gain new experiences, meet people in your community, and play a meaningful role at one of Michigan's nationally recognized historic sites.

GEMS FROM THE VAULT

1955 25,000 MILE ENDURANCE RUN AT THE PPG

written by P.H. Connell

1955 25,000 Mile Endurance Run at the PPG - 10/21/1954 to 10/31/1954

The new 1955 Packard models were introduced to the public Januar 17th, 1955. In preparation for this release, Packard held an endurance run at the Packard Proving Grounds.

For the first time since 1923, Packard did not have a straight eight engine on the books. All Packard and Clipper models were now equipped with V8 engines.

The test car was a prototype 1955 Patrician four door sedan equipped with a 352 CID V8 at 260 horsepower and the new torsion bar suspension. This vehicle achieved 25,000 miles at an average speed of 104.737 miles per hour. This included all stops for fuel, tire changes and new drivers. AAA certified.

During the course of this run, the car hit a pheasant, cracking the windshield high above the driver's head. The entire windshield had to be quickly taped up so the test could continue.



This test car was shipped around the country to be displayed at many auto shows that same year, which The Vault has a collection of photos of. Model production of the 1955 ended on August 23rd, after only eight months. This was done in anticipation of an early introduction of the 1956 models.

Every picture tells a story. These photos and 14,000 more are on file in the Vault at the Packard Proving Grounds.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

MEET WES BLACKMAN

"Take a moment and drink in the architecture."

Interested in becoming part of the Packard community?

PEONIES AND PERFECTION

Planning your own celebration?

Visit PeoniesAndPerfection.com to learn more.

SUPPORT THE PMCF

YOUR LEGACY. PACKARD'S FUTURE.

How a Qualified Charitable Distribution can support the Packard Motor Car Foundation.

For those looking for a meaningful way to support the future of the Packard Proving Grounds, a retirement account may offer an opportunity to make an impact.

If you are 70 1/2 or older, youmay be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization such as the Packard Motor Car Foundation. For those required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD may allow all or a portion of that distribution to support a charitable cause while potentially keeping the amount donated out of taxable income.

By including the Packard Motor Car Foundation in your charitable giving, you help care for the Pakard Proving Grounds, preserve its history, and ensure this nationally significant site remains a place for future generations to experience and enjoy.



If a QCD may be right for you, we invite you to consider making the Packard Motor Car Foundation part of your charitable giving plans. Please consult your tax or financial advisor regarding your individual circumstances and eligibility.

586-739-4800 Call or text us

We’re happy to help!