1914 Packard refurbished, ready for The Elegance at Hershey

1914 Packard – Pre-Refurbishment

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum is excited to showcase the refurbishment of a recently donated vehicle. This rather remarkable Packard was gifted to the Museum from an estate in Jupiter, Florida.

When it arrived here at the AACA Museum it was missing its unique Packard cathedral radiator. Nearly a year ago, contact was initiated with the Gerz family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, (Packard enthusiasts and a fourth generation radiator and repair shop) about the possibility of fabricating the missing radiator. Blueprints from the Studebaker museum and a 1915 Packard were used in the replication.

The Gerz family generously donated the time, materials and expertise in reconstructing the radiator to original specifications and they were able to make the car operational. It is making its show debut at the upcoming Elegance at Hershey event June 15 on the picturesque grounds of The Hotel Hershey.

1914 Packard – Post-Refurbishment

By the time this car was built, Packard was 15 years on the market and firmly entrenched as a manufacturer of luxury automobiles. The unusual arched center door was common to all of Packard's model 3-48 formal cars enabling easier entry and exit from the passenger compartment. Little is known about this history of this car, though it is likely that the upholstery in the passenger compartment is original.

"The AACA Museum is thankful to the Gerz family for their assistance in bringing this car back to life and for their passion with the car hobby." commented Mark Lizewskie, executive director of the AACA Museum. "The Elegance at Hershey is the perfect opportunity to showcase this grand vehicle for all to enjoy!" continued Lizewskie.

After its debut at The Elegance at Hershey this vehicle will be on display at the AACA Museum as part of their rotating collections on display. For further information about the museum, call 717-566-7100 or visit www.AACAMuseum.org.

For details on this year's The Elegance at Hershey, visit http://theeleganceathershey.com.