Packard Proving Grounds

[detmatt]

Fall open house. Pretty sketchy day today so I wasn't sure if we were going to go until we left but it was a rain or shine event and an annual one that I don't plan on missing from here on out. On a good weather day this show has 350 + cars and participating gains you free entry to the grounds. We drove the Imp which was 1 of 3 Imperials that showed up, there were no C-bodies proper but there was 1 beautiful Forward Look on hand. I didn't take many pics of the show cars, only a couple in fact.

 

[polara71]

Both cars are gorgeous, Im partial to the Plymouth ...... NIce!

 

[detmatt]

I did take a bunch of pics of some amazing Packards that were on display.

The color combo on this one is gorgeous!

Love a Caribbean!

This 1 gave me a woody...

 

[detmatt]

This one was my nieces favorite Packard, she has good taste if you ask me.

This is my niece in front of her dads(my oldest brother) Mustang. She's being photobombed by her favorite uncle and aunt...

 

[detmatt]

Here are a couple of examples of WWII era marine engines. The top 3 pics are from a minesweeper and the bottom a PT boat.

 

[detmatt]

I've only been able to peer through a window at this thing until today and it was always covered. It's is more fantastic then I could have imagined! I have always considered wooden power boats to be some of the most beautiful machines and this one is Truely awesome! I want it!!

 

[65sporty]

Is that the old Packard plant?

 

[detmatt]

Nope, the proving grounds are in the northern suburbs of Detroit.

 

[cm23uoc]

Is there anything going on to restore or redevelop the plant, think there were plans for a Long time.

 

[1978 NYB]

Very nice.

Thanks for sharing Matt!

 

[300rag]

That must have been quite the symphony when that boat was at WOT.

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

Matt, not to hijack your thread but wanted to add a little something to it since you like the handmade wood power boats. This one is similar and also has Dodge ancestry to boot. Sorry I don't have better pics, but hope you like it.

PS. Any idea where the "Dodge Boat Works" were located in Detroit?

 

[commando1]

My dream garage. How many bays?

 

[Ironwolf]

Great Pictures Matt !!! That boat is incredible .......

Love that 4 door blue Packard !!!!

 

[rapidtrans]

Took my goat to this show back in 2000. They hadn't started the bldg. restorations yet. Just the test track tower had been restored then. This was one of those shows where the judges really go over your car. Everything was checked for originality and operation. Conv. top, ac, radio, headlight doors, turn signals, wipers and washers. Didn't win anything but at least knew i everything worked.

 

[detmatt]

Is there anything going on to restore or redevelop the plant, think there were plans for a Long time.

Yes, here are the plans. If there were ever a place that I would volunteer if I had some spare time, it would be here.

 

[detmatt]

My dream garage. How many bays?

Looks like 7 with clear spans, not a post in the joint and another 2 on the end that I don't think are actually connected.

 

[detmatt]

Matt, not to hijack your thread but wanted to add a little something to it since you like the handmade wood power boats. This one is similar and also has Dodge ancestry to boot. Sorry I don't have better pics, but hope you like it.

PS. Any idea where the "Dodge Boat Works" were located in Detroit?

View attachment 97503 View attachment 97504

That's absolutely stunning! That 37.5 foot beauty was hoisted onto the main yacht and used as a launch?!
No idea where the boat works was but it'd be fun to research it and see if there's anything standing where it was. Had to be on the Detroit river I'm guessing.

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Thankz Matt. You're makin' me feel lonesome for the Motor with the pix on those groundz My Friend. I've seen "correct time period" filmz of GAR WOOD screamin' up and down the Detroit river in that Beauty. Often wondered what powered it and where it waz today and never knew either 'til now. Leavez must be turnin' up there, Stay warm Pal, Jer

 

[70bigblockdodge]

That boat has a awesome mechanical playground