1901 Packard Model C Runabout- Dos a Dos Seat

James Ward Packard was one of the earliest producers of automobiles. Disappointed with his first purchase of an automobile - an 1898 Winton - Packard began producing cars that bore his name and were built to his high standards. During the first year of production, a total of five Packards were built. This would jump to 49 in 1900 and 81 in 1901.

The Model C of 1901 was an innovative automobile. It was the first to use a steering wheel and column on an American Car and the first H-pattern gear change.

This 1901 Packard Model C Dos-A-Dos Runabout was sent to Packard dealer H.B. Shattuck and Son in Boston in mid-1901. It is chassis number C-67 making it the thirteenth example produced in 1901. Currently, it is the fourth oldest Packard in existence and the oldest one still in private hands.

At some point in history, it was owned by collector George H. Waterman Jr, who sold it to Ohio collector Duane Bohnstedt in the 1960s. He began a restoration on Christmas morning that would consume 18 months and include re-building a new body and wheels, plus nearly every mechanical part.

In 1990, the car was sold to Carl J. Schmitt. It was shown at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours where it was awarded a Third in Class in the Antique Class. It also presented the Charles A. Chayne Memorial Trophy for technological innovation. In 1991 and 1996 it was entered on two London-to-Brighton runs. Recently, it has been treated to a total re-restoration .

In 2008, this Dos-A-Dos Runabout was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach. It was estimated to sell for $275,000 - $350,000 and was offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $214,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009