The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site Shelby Township MI – A Must-See Attraction

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Packard Proving Grounds (PPG) in located at 49965 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317 is a historic site that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. It was founded in 1917 by automobile manufacturer Henry J. Kaiser as the testing grounds for new models of automobiles and parts. The facility became known as Packard’s PPG after company founder William Crapo Packard set up operations there. Packary bought his first car at the age of 11 and by age 21, he was earning $100 a week as a mechanic working for various car makers including Duryea, Auburn, and Whippet. 

In 1923  William Crapo Packard had founded his own car company called the Waltham Motor Car Company. Packard built only two cars: The Eight Series from 1926 to 1928 and the Twenty Series from 1931 to 1933. The Eight Series was priced at $3,200 and offered a V-12 engine with three valves per cylinder (i.e., six-cylinder), which was then considered to be an expensive engine technology that would not be used again due to its cost factor; it also had independent front suspension instead of torsion bar like most other cars of its time period. Along with being expensive and rare, independent front suspension chassis design had been found unstable during testing so it is believed that only around 100 cars were ever made with such design.

The Packard Proving Grounds is an amazing site with a lot to offer. You can explore the historic car development area, watch as cars are tested on their tracks, visit the engine manufacturing building and learn about how engines were made in the early days of car production. There is also a driving track where you can put your skills to the test while showcasing your driving abilities. Or, if you’re in the mood for some shopping, there’s plenty to choose from. Packard Proving Grounds is a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed. Discover More about Shelby Township here.

Packard Proving Grounds is located at the southern end of Ross Park. It was opened in 1917 and was the home to automobile manufacturers Henry J. Kaiser, Ford, and Chevrolet before they all moved out to larger testing grounds in Norwood, Ohio in 1924. In 1923 Packard had founded his own car company called the Waltham Motor Car Company and built two models: the Eight Series from 1926-1928 and the Twenty Series from 1931-1933. This article has more information.

The property is also home to a lakeside resort, which offers fishing, boating, and hunting. The site has an extensive network of hiking trails that lead through the forested areas and offer views of the surrounding area. Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Michigan. This historic site offers more than 100 acres of scenic grounds where visitors can enjoy many recreational activities including fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

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