|
Build a 1901 Packard Gas Car
Recapture the romance of the horseless
carriage era! Be the man who owns one!
We have two different plans, one for a 1901 Packard, and one for a 1901 truck. They're both linked at the bottom.
It has been 63 years since the great-granddaddy of
this bright-red 1901 Packard roadster purred its
way down America's roadways. Our half-size version
should bring a twinge of nostalgia to MI's senior readers—
and delight the younger set.
Under the tonneau (that's the rear-deck lid, son)
there's a modern two-hp gasoline engine with chain
drive direct to the axle. Speeds up to 15 mph are possible.
Designed to carry two youngsters in comfort, the
car also is sturdy enough to haul two adults. Righthand
steering (as in the early days), an automatic
centrifugal clutch, a foot brake and hand accelerator at
your fingertips make operation of the vehicle a breeze.
It was on Aug. 13, 1898, that James Ward Packard
purchased the 12th car built by Alexander Winton. On
his trip home to Warren, Ohio, some 50 miles from the
Winton factory in Cleveland, the car broke down. The
incensed purchaser returned to the factory to complain
about his lemon and Alexander Winton told him, "If
you're so smart, Mr. Packard, why don't you build acar yourself?" History has recorded the
results.
The first Packard was sold in January
1900.
 Almost immediately the reputation
of Packard was secure. "Ask the
man who owns one" became a household
phrase.
We hope the building of this replica
1901 Packard roadster will recapture
for you some of the romance and excitement
of the horseless-carriage era.
The body is made of plywood, the
frame of angle iron, with a minimum of
welding. You can purchase such hardto-
make parts as wheels (aluminum
cast—16x1.75 with semi-pneumatic
tires) and hub caps, steering wheel,
pillow blocks (one-inch Fafnir), ball
joints and brake (Mercury strap). The
other parts, for the running gear, require
but a small amount of machining.
Most of the construction can be accomplished
in the home workshop.
1901 Packard Plans
1901 Truck Plans
Like These Plans? Buy the Vintage Plans CD: Every plan on the site on CD delivered for just 19.99! | 
