Grand Classic

I think your idea is splended. Some years ago (the xhibit may still be there, for all I know) the Chicago Museum Of Science And Industry has a display consisting of a "mock up" of a street from before World War One, with a few antique vehicles parked around. Museum goers enjoyed the display - really gave one a "feel" for the era.

MANY...MANY kids became old car buffs, and had their interest in learning more about cultural and social history from these exhibits .

Only reason I am not offering to participate with my own car ( a twelve cylinder Packard) is because I live in Northern Arizona...and that is one LOOOONG day's hard drive....even in a twelve cylindered Packard....! )

Pete Hartmann

Big Springs, AZ

That is a very interesting idea.

The individual Regions run Grand Classics. I'm pretty sure that Washington is the territory of the Chesapeake Bay Region. I believe they are scheduled for a Grand Classic in 2006. Maybe they would consider this idea. I'll try to put the right people together.

It sounds like a great venue.

Mr. H. Thanks for your response and encouraging words. Mr. Conrad responded with a regional contact and I've e:mailed him as well. I would imagine a 2,500 mile plus drive would not be feasible for you. Do you have any photos of your car? After years of comparing various styling changes, the 1932 model year seems to me to be the apogee of classic automotive design. The 32's retain the formal elements of classic design, while perfectly incorporate sleeker design elements reflective of the Art Moderne movement.

I'm anxious to get more feedback, and hope that I might be able to help the Club by orchestrating something at the Smithsonian. Thanks again!

Yes...I agree with you...'32 is certainly an excellent year to illustrate the concept of the "classic" design school...( meaning that period of auto design, when "form followed function"....BEFORE the concept of "moderne"...or "stream-lining" began to influence car body shapes.

I will be more than happy to mail or E mail you a picture of my '38 Packard Twelve....bear in mind...by the late 1930's.....body shapes were STARTING to reflect the stream-lining theory...so called "moderne"....and thus my car really falls towards the outer edge of the "classic" theory of body shape.

Pete Hartmann

PO BOX 148

Paulden, AZ 86334

I'd love to see an e:mail photo of your car. An acquantaince of some years ago, Gene Metcalf, owned a '38 Packard that he spent many years restoring to absolute perfection. Since then I've had a special affinity for Packard's of that year. I'll never forget the first time I saw it. It was stunning to behold. It was painted a rich vibrant red and on a crisp fall day, the light played off that color beautifully. I remember standing next to it and asking him if he would start it up so I could hear the motor. He looked at me strangely and informed me that the car was running!!! I was in shock. I could not hear a thing and there was no vibration I could detect. To this day I regret I could not take him up on his offer of a ride around town! What a car. My e:mail address is delorbe@serc.si.edu I look forward to seeing your car and thanks!

Hey Pete,

Why not e-mail the photo to PeterG and have him post it here on the forum so all of us can enjoy it?