1906 Packard Model S Touring

Seller's description

(from Mecum Auctions Press Release) 1906 Packard Model S Touring

• One of three 1906 Model S Packards known to exist
• Part of the Goodlet collection since 1991
• Engine no. 2425
• 24 HP 4-cylinder engine
• Manual transmission
• Blue with Black fenders
• Black interior
• Solar Deluxe Projector brass head lamps
• Brass tail lamp, spot lamps and horn
• Waltham wind-up clock
• Known ownership history
• Formerly owned by Bill Harrah for 20 years
• Listed in the 1999 edition of Packards of the Gauntlets and Goggles Era
• According to 1999 publication, this is the 22nd oldest Packard known to exist

This 1906 Packard Model S Touring is the 22nd oldest complete Packard in the world and one of only three 1906 Packards known extant today. The Model S represented a turnaround for the young company founded by James Ward Packard in 1899, for after a string of early innovations that included the first use of a steering wheel in an automobile, the company seemed willing to rest on its laurels until it obviously began losing ground - and profits - to its competitors. The turnaround began with the 1905 Model N, powered by a 266 CI inline-4 developing 28 HP at 900 RPM. The Model S superseded it in 1906 as the only model available from Packard that year, and was an all-around improvement. Larger, roomier, more comfortable and, most importantly, more powerful than the N, the S was a beautifully finished, magnificent machine offered in both runabout and touring configurations. Its 350 CI inline-4 engine made prolific use of aluminum, its cylinders made in France by a leading metallurgical firm and machined by Packard in Detroit. The intake and exhaust valves were arranged on opposite sides of the cylinders for improved breathing, each side actuated by its own camshaft flanking the nickel steel crank. The new engine was officially rated at 24 HP, leading to the car’s reference as the Model 24, but its actual output was in the 40-to-50 HP range. Typically of Packard, the chassis was a robust affair supplanting the N’s three-point suspension with advanced semi-elliptical leaf springs and mechanical brakes at all four corners and riding on artillery-style spoked wheels fitted with 4-inch front and 4.5-inch rear tires. The Model S’ 119-inch wheelbase allowed easy entry and roomy seating for passengers, who enjoyed diamond-tufted leather seats, ample luggage space and, in inclement weather, a sturdy folding top. This singular 1906 Packard Model S Touring, chassis number 2425 and engine number 2425, demonstrates Packard’s brilliant engineering and coachwork, its Blue and Black paint accented with gleaming polished brass Solar Deluxe Projector lamps, tail lamp, spot lamps and horn. The interior features Black leather upholstery, brass wood-rimmed steering wheel with throttle and spark controls and an extremely rare Waltham wind-up clock on the ash dashboard. While its original owner is unknown, its subsequent ownership history is well documented in the Packard Centennial Registry and most famously includes Bill Harrah, who owned the car for 20 years from 1966 to 1986. Recently part of the Tom and Joann Goodlet Collection for nearly 25 years, the car has been assiduously maintained and presents in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, a wonderful and valuable Brass Era artifact.