In 1918… The Soviet Bolsheviks execute the Russian Czar Romanovs at Ekaterinburg, Russia. The “Spanish Flu” kills over 30 million people worldwide. The US Congress formally approves time zones and Daylight Savings Time. Cost of a House: $3,200. Average Income: $438. Gallon of Gas: $0.22. Average New Car: $455
1918 Model E Great War Truck
349.89 cu. in. straight four. 32.4 BHP @ 1200 rpm. 4 speed manual transmission. 2 wheel rear drum emergency brakes. 156” Wheelbase. Curb weight 9,000 lbs. $3,800 FOB Detroit
The US Army bought over 10,000 Packard Army Trucks during World War One. Packard became the largest supplier of vehicles to the US government, including this Packard 1918 Model E Great War Truck. With a top speed of 17 miles per hour and uninflatable hard rubber tires, this workhorse built on a Carnegie channel iron frame had a gross vehicle capacity rating of 3 tons.
Saved from obscurity in 1996 by David Lockard and America’s Packard Museum, this Model E truck was painstakingly restored over the course of 14 years. Returned to its pristine condition, this Packard truck regularly participates in military parades and automobile shows.
With the Doughboys in France: 1918 Model E Great War Truck
Shipping companies had traditionally relied on railroads for log distance travel and horse-drawn wagons for shorter distances. The growth of truck manufacturing challenged both. Packards wanted part of this new industry, but had to convince shippers trucks were worth the price. From 1919-1921, the Packard Freight Transportation Digest used case studies to show that trucks, while more expensive than horses, were more cost-efficient, and could be modified in any number of ways to suit the customer. Once such case study showed how a Detroit creamery’s Model E Truck, the the Great War vehicle on display, had slid into a ditch and was promptly pulled out by a local station, saving several months of profits. “Transportation, as we offer it, is not the truck alone, not transportation advice or installation alone, not maintenance or service alone - but all three together.”