1903 Packard Model F Runabout

01

Artifact Overview

In 1903 this car became only the second to drive across America coast-to-coast. Packard plant foreman Tom Fetch and journalist Marius C. Krarup made the trip from San Francisco to New York City in 61 days. Their journey was an enormous challenge. Roads scarcely existed west of the Mississippi, and those east of the river were often simple dirt paths.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1903

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

35.455.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Packard Motor Car Company.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Leather
Brass (Alloy)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Maroon
Yellow (Color)
Black (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 64.375 in
Width: 69.5 in
Length: 123.5 in

Inscriptions

Rear, in yellow: SAN FRANCISCO. Outside of seats, in yellow: Packard / MOTOR CAR / WARREN, OHIO Hubs: OHIO AUTOMOBILE CO. WARREN OHIO U.S.A. THE / PACKARD

Specifications

Make & Model: 1903 Packard Model F runabout
Maker: Packard Motor Car Company, Warren, Ohio
Engine: horizontal-1, 184 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 64.5 inches
Wheelbase: 88 inches
Width: 69.5 inches
Overall length: 123.5 inches
Weight: 2200 pounds
Horsepower: 12 at 850 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 183.3
Price: $2,500
Average 1903 wage: $489 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 5 years, 1 month
1903 Packard Model F Runabout