1903 Packard Model F Roadster

The Packard Motor Car Company was founded in Warren, Ohio, in 1899 but moved to Detroit, Michigan, in October of 1903. The Model F had been introduced in 1902 and continued in production until 1903. It is one of three remaining Model F cars and one of the last cars built in the Warren factory.

Packard touted proof of the 1903 Model F's superiority, including 100 miles without a stop on less than four gallons of gas, 244 miles in 13 hours without stopping the engine, nine first place finishes in various 500-mile endurance runs, 2,500 miles with absolutely no repairs or adjustments and 16,000 miles without a major repair!

This Model F is the sister car to the Packard 'Old Pacific' driven by Tom Fetch, which made a historic 3,600-mile Transcontinental Trip from San Francisco to New York.

The original owner of this car is unknown. The earliest surviving records suggest that Standard Oil of New Jersey used its engine for testing. Terry Martin bought the engine in 1970 from Packard collector Howard Henry, who acquired it from the widow of the test engineer. Terry restored the car in 1983. Terry restored the car in 1983 and drove it cross country, recreating Old Pacific's 1903 run. He then led the historic Transcontinental Tour of 2003, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of that original cross-country tour.

The Model F is powered by a 138 cubic-inch one-cylinder motor that develops 12 horsepower and can maintain a cruising speed of 22 miles per hour and a maximum of 25. The price new in 1903 was $2,300.

Special Features:
Engine: 12 horsepower, single cylinder; displacement: 183.8 cubic inches; bore & stroke: 6 x 6.5 inch; radiator capacity: 5 gallons.

Transmission: sliding gear with three forward speeds, center chain drive, spur gear differential.

Chassis refinements: wheels: wood artillery, 34x4 tires;

Wheelbase: 84 inch

Body refinements: standard fittings: oil side lights & bulb horn.

Body types: 5-passenger rear entrance tonneau, removable to form 2-passenger roadster.

Produced by: Packard Motor Car Company, Warren, Ohio

Engine number: F387

Total production: 244

Price: $2,500

Source - National Packard Museum