1917 Packard 2-25 Four Passenger Runabout

Twelve Cylinder

Standard

128745

Clear

Gasoline

The Newsom Twin Six Packard Story Just before World War II, Elwin Newsom, set aside 7 early collector automobiles in Chowchilla, CA. After fulfilling his patriotic duty, Elwin returned and found that all of his early collectible automobiles had been scrapped! Elwin then acquired his 1917 Packard sometime in 1946 during the early days of automobile collecting. The Packard was converted into a service/tow vehicle sometime during or before 1930 for use at the Crescent Garage in Chowchilla California. During that time the Packard was owned by Mr. C. C. Meyers and registered as a “Tow Car”. The conversion process, in addition to painting, necessitated super-imposing later model heavy truck wheels onto the rear splined hubs to support the additional weight required for towing. Also the “bustle” or rear luggage compartment was cut away to make a platform for a towing crane. The crane was removed and discarded before the Packard was locked away for 56 years in Elwin’s storage shed. His nephew, Bob Newsom, told me that his uncle Elwin drove the car once in a local parade and then locked it away in 1947 in a small building attached to his home. And there it stayed, until 2003 when he passed away. Elwin willed the Packard to his nephew Bob who always admired it. Shortly after I purchased the Packard from Bob in 2006, I visited my good friend and legendary collector Jack Passey. When I first showed Jack a picture of the Packard and within an instant, he exclaimed to his wife Mona who was gardening very near his shop, “Mona, Glenn just bought the Packard from Chowchilla” Jack recognized the Packard! He had seen it first hand, of course, Elwin would never sell it. Bob Newsom also has signed an affidavit stating that his uncle always told him that before the Packard was converted to a tow vehicle for use at the Crescent Garage that it was used to transport liquor during prohibition. Additionally, Bob’s affidavit states that his uncle had always told him that the Packard was originally owned by Douglas Fairbanks. I have not been able to substantiate Douglas Fairbanks’ ownership, but Chowchilla is not far from Hollywood California and Elwin would have had no reason to deceive his nephew. Since 2003 only minimal preservation has been done. Bob, purchased and then installed new tires to facilitate transportation to his home. This picture is an example only; the car pictured above is not included in this auction 1917 Packard Twin Six Model 2-25 4 Passenger Runabout To bid on the sale of this automobile allows one a very rare opportunity to possess a unique treasure…a significant piece of automotive history. Here is an early quality automobile with great provenance and character. One that has stood ravages of time and has survived untouched by the restorer’s hand. One that tells a story and exhibits it own “battle scars”. The pictures of this vehicle speak volumes. Its originality is exceptional. Its patina is universally appealing. This vehicle will drawn a large crowd at any car show! Just showing the car and explaining its history will be a source of joy and entertainment for both the new owner and his or her audience. In addition to providing many quality pictures, next I will provide some information concerning its present condition. Other than minimal minor surface rust the entire vehicle, has no rust issues. Even the muffler, tail pipe and the entire exhaust system are original and not rusted-out. The only minor exception is where a portion of the driver’s side running board and the very inside bottom of the battery box have been rusted by battery acid leaking from the battery during 56 years of uninterrupted storage. The body wood is very good and solid. Many parts are in excellent condition. The vehicle was repainted just once and much of its original paint has re-emerged to help create its own unique patina and its own special character. The leather upholstery is shabby but totally original. Even the wool rug in the rear passenger compartment is original. The linoleum flooring and trim in the driver’s compartment are original. Mechanically, the car is totally complete and original. I have not disassembled any component of the vehicle. I did not want to affect its original state. I did check the engine to see if it would turn freely. The engine has an approximate 90 degree range of motion. I believe that there must be some surface rust in the upper portion of the cylinder walls. The transmission lever moves smoothly into all positions. It feels like it has plenty of lubricant. I have found no evidence of prior disassembly or mechanical repairs on any mechanical assembly. I believe the vehicle was in operating condition when placed into storage. The electrical system, gauges, wiring, starter and generator appear to be all original and in very good un-restored condition. Included in the sale of this vehicle are: Two spare 72mm wire wheels and one spare 72mm wire wheel center. The rims on the two spare wheels are incorrect. Also included are three “blank” 25” rims with the proper lock rings. These blank rims can later be dimpled for new spokes. Other parts are: Two extra hub caps. One parking light. One top socket assembly. Two top bow clamps. An original beautifully illustrated Packard Twin Six 2-25 and 2-35 prestige sales brochure. An original Packard “Twin Six” “2-35” and “2-25” owners information manual. ACTUAL eBay AUCTION ITEM 1911 OLDSMOBILE LIMITED (NOT INCLUDED IN AUCTION) This auction is for the unrestored 1917 Packard Twin Six 4 Passenger runabout as pictured above on the left. The photo on the right is of an unrestored 1911 Oldsmobile limited and it is provided for purpose of discussion only. Many of you may already be familiar with the picture of the Oldsmobile, on the right. During 2007 R M Auctions Inc. sold this un-restored 1911 Oldsmobile Limited at auction for $1,650,000 dollars. The magnitude of its sales price is proof of the escalating value of a well preserved unrestored rare antique automobile. The 1917 Packard Twin Six offered for sale in this Ebay auction like the 1911 Oldsmobile was in its day a very fine quality automobile. These cars could be afforded only by the very wealthy. The 19ll Oldsmobile and the 1917 Packard offered for sale in this auction were both preserved collectors who thought it best not to restore. These men have proven themselves to be true visionaries. Please be advised that, I do not expect this Packard to sell for more than a fraction of what the legendary 1911 Oldsmobile Limited went for. I have placed a very realistic and reasonable minimum on this automobile. So, bid whatever you think it is worth…I believe my minimum will be attained. Rare Factory Accessories This 1917 Packard is equipped with some very rare factory accessories. 1. This vehicle was originally equipped, from the factory, with 25 inch, 72 millimeter Rudge Whitworth wire wheels. The hubcaps have Packard script. Two other different rare antique automobiles which used 25 inch, 72 millimeter Rudge Whitworth wire wheels were the 1919 Stutz Bearcat and certain early Mercer Raceabouts. Also included are the original 72 millimeter Rudge Whitworth hub cap wrench and the original 72 millimeter Rudge Whitworth pin spanner wrench used for removing the locking rings from the hubs. 2. This vehicle features an authentic nickel plated Packard spotlight. If you read the data plate on this spotlight, it reads: “Drivers Delight Packard Motor Car Company Series 2”. 3. The radiator ornament is an original Packard Second Series ‘Twin Six’ factory accessory. As you may have noticed, its design is two 6’s joined at an angle onto the base. This, of course, represents two six cylinder engines joined into what today is most commonly referred to as a V-12 engine. 4. This vehicle has some original factory parts which are often missing or have been incorrectly substituted even on so called “fully restored” Packards. These are: original equipment Warner headlight and parking light lenses, an original exterior-mounted Sparton electric horn, an original battery box, an original tail light, original speedometer, clock and gauges.