327 cu in. straight eight

165 BHP @ 3600 rpm

295 lb/ft torque @ 2000 rpm

3 speed manual transmission

Hydraulic drum brakes

122” wheelbase

Curb weight 3600 lbs

$2,416 when new

Jean Trevoux had piloted several Packards in the Carrera Panamericana II, a dangerous border to border race than spans the entire length of Mexico. In November 1951 he raced a 1951 Packard and came in fifth overall, with help from his teenage mechanic Pablo Merrigan. What the car lacked in agility it more than made up for in raw power.

In 1995 Pablo completed restoration of this car with its original livery and equipment allowing its entrance into the newly re-established infamous race. The car sits now having battered almost ten thousand miles of racing after running the 1996, ‘97, ‘98, and 1999 races. The car is maintained in running condition and is actively raced.

In 1951…

First Burger King opens

Godzilla debuts in Tokyo, Japan

Marilyn Monroe marries Joe DiMaggio

Cost of a house: $9,000

Average income: $3,510

Gallon of gas: $0.19

Average new car: $1,500

On loan courtesy of Robert E. Signom II