1903 Packard Model F Rear Tonneau

Packard officially moved from a buggy-type vehicle to a conventional automobile in 1902 with the introduction of their Model F. It featured a large, single-cylinder engine that offered 12 horsepower and was coupled to a three-speed transmission. This setup was very unusual for American cars of this period. Pricing was rather steep, selling at $2,300 which was about three times the amount of a new Ford.

Production of the Model F continued during the 1903 model year. 1903 was the same year that Tom Fetch made his famous drive from San Francisco to New York in a Model L Packard known as 'Old Pacific.'

The Model F Packard is one of only three known to exist in modern times. The rear body section is removable, making it either a two or four-passenger car depending on the owner's preference. It was part of the highly regarded Harrah's Automobile Collection for many years and at one time competed in the famed London to Brighton Run.

In 1986, after William Harrah's passing and at the dispersal auction that year, the Packard was purchased by retired USAF General William Lyon of Newport Beach, California. Next, the Model F joined the Imperial Palace Collection of Las Vegas, Nevada in 1991.

In 1998, Mr. Drew Lewis of Shanksville, Pennsylvania acquired the car. It had been restored at some point while in the Harrah's long-term owner; Mr. Lewis nonetheless commissioned a professional restoration to concours-level. It won Best in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2002, followed by an impressive string of awards under AACA judging, and achieving its First Senior Award in 2003, a Grand National Award in 2004, and Senior Grand national honors in 2007. It won a First Preservation Award in 2004, followed by three Second Preservation awards in 2004, 2006, and 2007. It joined the O'Quinn Collection in 2009.

In 2010, this very rare automobile was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $374,000 including the buyer's premium.