1911 Packard Model Eighteen

The Packard marque had swiftly established a reputation for quality craftsmanship, durability, and elegant styling. They were one of the premiere manufacturers of the early automobile and during their existence, would consistently rank among the top of the luxury car segment.

Packard introduced a new, smaller car dubbed the '18' as part of their 1909 series and constructed to the same high standards of quality as the range-topping '30', but priced at about $1,000 less. The Model 30 had been introduced for the 1907 model year and served as Packard's only model until the arrival of the 18 in 1909. The Model 30 rested on a 122-inch wheelbase platform (smaller for the runabout at 108-inches) and was powered by a 431.9 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine with three main bearings, solid valve lifters, and delivered 30 horsepower at 650 RPM. Body styles included a runabout, tourer, limousine, and landaulet with prices that ranged from $4,200 to $5,600.

The Model 18 offered the same elegance and refinement as the Model 30, but on a 112-inch wheelbase (102-inches for the runabout) and equipped with a T-head four-cylinder engine with a 265.7 cubic-inch displacement, three main bearings, solid valve lifters, and delivering 18 horsepower at 650 RPM. It used a three-speed sliding gear transmission with expanding flywheel clutch, mechanical brakes on the two rear wheels, and resting on wood artillery wheels.

The Model 18 was the company's first attempt at catering to a wider audience by offering a smaller, less expensive alternative to complement its other models. In 1932, Packard re-visited this marketing tactic with the introduction of the Ninth Series Light Eight, and its arrival coincided with a new top-of-the-line offering, the Packard Twin Six (Twelve). Both the Model 18 and the Light Eight were unsuccessful, and both fell short of achieving the sales figures Packard had intended. In 1935, Packard introduced the 'One Twenty', another 'down market' car that this time was wildly successful, with nearly 25,000 examples built in its inaugural year. Its success was partly attributed to its very low price, which hovered in the high-$900s and low-$1000 range, compared to the $2,385 starting price of the Packard Eight, and the $3,820 starting price of the Twelve. This success inspired Packard to move even further downmarket, which they did in 1937 with the introduction of the Six, Packard's first six-cylinder model since 1928. Both the Packard One Twenty and the Six helped the company re-establish its financial footing in the wake of the Great Depression.

The Model 18 remained in production through 1912 but never achieved much success. A total of 802 examples were built in 1909 which was much lower than the 1,501 examples of the Model 30. It remained mechanically related to its larger sibling throughout its production lifespan. In 1910, when the Model Thirty gained a dry plate-type clutch in place of the previous expanding ring unit, these engineering changes were applied to the 18. The Demi-Limousine body style did not continue into 1910, but the runabout, tourer, limousine, and landaulet returned with prices remaining fairly consistent. The runabout continued to be built on a 102-inch wheelbase and the others on a 112-inch platform. A close-coupled body style arrived for 1911 priced at $3,200, along with a coupe at $3,900.

Among the list of standard equipment included a tool kit, oil lamps, and two extra demountable rims. A speaking tube was added for closed-body styles, along with adjustable ventilators, and a dome light that used a separate battery.

Packard produced 766 examples of the Eighteen in 1910 and 360 the following year. Just 350 examples were built in its final year.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021