1909 Packard Model 18 Phaeton

Packard offered a single model for much of its existence when it introduced the Model 18, joining the higher-priced, larger, and more powerful Model 30. The Model 18 was a scaled-down version of the Model 30 and allowed Packard to broaden its portfolio and, as described by the company, was better suited to urban and suburban motoring than the Model 30.

The early history of this five-passenger Phaeton is unknown, but it passed through the care of several enthusiasts in the Northeast in the years following World War II before coming into the care of Michigan-based automotive designer Richard 'Dick' Teague circa 1950. At the time, Teague was employed by General Motors and would become chief stylist for Packard in 1952.

This Packard began life as a Model 18 Runabout chassis and running gear. While in Teague's care, he discovered drawings for a 1909 Model 18 body design that never left Packard's drawing board. It was a five-passenger Phaeton with Runabout-style front fenders, a rounded Runabout-style cowl, and a longer Model 30-style hood.

Teague later sold the Packard (wearing the Runabout coachwork) to Leonard Davis of Pontiac, Michigan. The current caretaker acquired it in 1984 from Mr. Davis' widow in a semi-complete state. A restoration soon commenced with coachwork being completed in Teague's found design. The leatherwork was created by upholsterer Leif Drexler and finished in maroon with a matching exterior color and a black top. Brasswork included the grille, large headlamps, single taillamp, and cowl lamps.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2022