From 1899 to 1903, Warren was the site of a car company founded by brothers James W. and William D.

From 1899 to 1903, Warren was the site of a car company founded by brothers James W. and William D. Packard. Some facts about the Packards and their vehicles:

Featured as their first model a single- cylinder, buggy-type car.

Were the first American cars to use the H-pattern for gearshifts, and feature two-tone paint jobs and steering wheels.

Entered their vehicles in endurance tests, with many winning cross-country reliability runs.

In 1904, developed the Gray Wolf, a four- cylinder racing model noted for its aluminum body. Weighed about 1,300 pounds and placed fourth in the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup race.

Also that year, the company moved to Detroit, where it continued to produce cars until the 1950s.

Eventually developed large limousines that sold at relatively high prices.

In 1919, a Packard model set an American land speed record by traveling 149 mph at Daytona Beach, Fla.

During the 1930s, produced many of the world’s most prestigious cars, many of which were known for their large square bodies and V-12 engines.

In the late ‘30s, saw an increase in sales after making smaller cars that were affordable to people of modest means.

By the mid- and late 1950s, sales dropped and the Packard company merged with the Studebaker Corp.

Source: National Packard Museum