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America's Packard Museum & the Citizens Motorcar Company
420 S Ludlow St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 226-1710
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 226-1710
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for America's Packard Museum & the Citizens Motorcar Company
I've never considered myself much of a classic car buff, but I'm not sure you need to be to appreciate the grandeur of a vintage Packard. These cars were the favorite of the upper crust in the first half of this century, and the examples on display in this restored Packard dealership showroom in downtown Dayton are a prime reminder about why they were held in such high esteem.
Included in the two showrooms are the 1932 Packard driven by Brad Pitt in the "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and the late 40s Henney Packard hearse used to take Vito Corleone to the cemetery in "The Godfather." But my favorite was the 1958 prototype of the Packard Hawk convertible, one of several cars which is the only one known in existence.
With senior, student, and AAA discounts, our group of five paid a mere $20 for entry and spent a good two hours walking through and enjoying the cars, asking questions of the knowledgeable docents, and posing for photographs with these great examples of industrial artistry. Put this on your list of "must see" places in Dayton.
In Downtown Dayton...
...A Time Machine
......A Past You Can Touch...
...1919...
......The Splendor of a Packard Dealership...
.........The Wood Paneled Waiting Rooms...
......The Best American Car...
...1959...
......The Flame Flickers...
.........A Dream Is Lost...
......Packard is No More...
...2009...
.......Saved From Neglect
.........Feel an Apparition....
......Close Your Eyes....
...Sit In Those Time Machines
In Downtown Dayton
This museum is a labor of love. Not only a love for cars, but one far more profound.
The Citizen's Motor Car Company was the Packard dealership in Dayton OH. The entire building has been beautifully restored as it was in the 'Golden Age' of motoring, complete with an extensive collection of ephemera, documents, and 50 of the most luxurious and beautiful automobiles ever crafted. Not built--crafted.
In early 20th Century America, if you wanted a luxury car, you bought a chassis for about $10,000 (just for the frame, engine, drivetrain, wheels, axles) from Packard. Then your Packard dealer commissioned a carrossier to build the body, interior and paint to customer specs. Thus the term 'custom' applied to nearly every Packard produced in the 1920s-30s.
My favorite piece is THE 1903 Packard Grey Wolf racer that set the 1904 Measured Mile World Record of 77 MPH with W.K. Vanderbilt, Jr. at the wheel. Look closely at the pictures and try to imagine it. Remember, this was a time when 'Blacksmith' was still a viable vocation.
My father and I visited some time ago and were greeted warmly at the door by an elderly gentleman who introduced himself simply as Bob. He gave us a personalized tour, demonstrating all of the hidden features on these glorious creations. His knowledge was encyclopedic (rich with anecdote) having restored a good many Packards with his son. Bob's son, a successful attorney, restored this beautiful building, expanded this collection and today shares it with all of us.
During our visit, it was impossible not to notice that we were sharing in something much greater than cars, but of the bond between Bob Sr. and his son. I am grateful to have met him.
Additionally, CMCC stocks parts for Packards and keeps a fleet of exceptional models for limousine service.
This place is a great hidden treasure of Dayton. It's super cheap ($5/ person when we went) and the cars are gorgeous.
I took my date here and we took pictures. The staff was exceptionally nice and helpful. They'll give you a tour or just let you walk around on your own. If you're into classic cars it's a no brainier to visit!