Motor City Packards, a region of Packard Automobile Classics (The Packard Club) is hosting the 2013 national convention from Sunday, June 23, 2013 through Friday, June 28, 2013. The host hotel is the Marriott Centerpoint at 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac, MI.
Packard club members are gathering to celebrate the history and heritage of the Packard Motor Car Company in the motor cities area. Over 500 people are expected to attend – some coming from as far away as England, Qatar and South Africa. Highlights of the week include a visit to the Packard Proving Grounds at 49965 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI on Monday, June 24th and Concours Judging Day in Rochester Park, Rochester, MI on Thursday.
Packard Proving Grounds
The Packard Proving Grounds was listed in the National Register of Historic Sites in 2007 due to the work of the Packard Motor Car Foundation. During their visit, convention guests will learn about the significance that the Proving Grounds played in making Packard known as “The Master Motor Builder” and Packard’s legendary contributions to the “Arsenal of Democracy” After a catered picnic lunch there will be a presentation of the “Ladies of Packard.”
Margaret Dunning with her beloved Packard.
- MaryEllen (Green) Dohrs, one of the first, female, industrial designers in the auto industry was hired by famed Packard designer Dick Teague to create the interior of the 1955 Packard Caribbean.
- Fran Hale, tells the stories of “Mahogany Row” as she was the executive secretary to Hugh Ferry, Packard President from 1949 through 1952.
- Margaret Dunning, at 103 she is the world’s Oldest Packard Driver and still drives the 1930 Packard model 740 roadster she purchased in 1948.
Judging Day in Rochester Park
This day is only event open to the public. The Packards will be on display in Rochester Park in down town Rochester, MI centered around the Kiwanis Pavilion. The cars will roll in during the morning and judging will begin at 10:00 AM. This is the public’s chance to see the cars close up and talk to the owners about their vintage Packards. The Lion’s Club will be on hand selling coffee and donuts in the morning and hot dogs during the lunch hour. Representatives from the Motorcities National Heritage Area will attend and explain their role in the preservation and promotion of automotive heritage in the motor cites area. Judging concludes at 3:00 p.m.
About:
The Packard Club: Is dedicated to preserving originality in the products and history of The Packard © Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, a manufacturer of one of the greatest marques in world history; on land, in the air, or on the sea. The club was founded in 1953 and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Motor City Packards: Is one of the largest and most active chapters of The Packard Club with 210 family memberships and hold meetings or driving events each month.
Packard Motor Car Foundation: Is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization dedicated to the preservation of the products, history, and properties of The Packard Motor Car Company. The PMCF owns the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township, MI.
MotorCities National Heritage Area: Is a non-profit 501(c)3 affiliated with the US National Park Service dedicated to the preservation and promotion of automotive and labor heritage.
About Sarah Hovis