Chuck tells me that "Scientific America" carried the first magazine
automobile ad in 1898, and that The Winton Motor Car Company of
Cleveland, OH, invited readers to "dispense with a horse".
Well so far
I've been unable to verify that, I did find out, however, that one of the
first Wintons were bought by The Packard Brothers that same year, who
decided to improve on it.
The result was the first 12hp Packard of 1899.
Though this one was built in the birthplace of the Packard, that is Warren, Ohio,
the operation was moved to Detroit in 1903.
Packard continued to build
cars there until they closed in 1958, after their merger with Studebaker
in '54.
Packard boasted the first 12cylinder American car in 1916, and
most models were named for the engine.
Sixes, Eights, and Twelves were
available in closed body and convertible styles.
The later Clipper model
was the economy version and larger cars included the Executive and
Caribbean Convertible.
During World War II the dies were sold to Russia
who produced the Z. I. S. in 1945, a Russian Packard.
My father-in-law
has just finished the restoration of a 1924 Packard 8 and I'm anxious
to take it for a spin. Maybe if I get to soon, the similar 1930 Packard
picture below will change.
Oh, and what of the Wintons? Well, they still
manufacture marine diesel engines, as a division of General Motors. It
seems they abandoned building cars the same year dad-in-laws car was
built.
The below beauty is linked to the Packard Museum, you simply must
click down there, at least to see the entryway.
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