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Warren show really packs in the Packards
By Sean Barron
WARREN
Would you buy a vehicle that you have to crank to start, gets about 50 miles on a full tank of gasoline and boasts a one-cylinder engine?
Probably not, but then again, it’s likely you’re not accustomed to driving a 1901 Packard Model C car.
None of this fazes Bob McKeown, however; in fact, he finds these and other features quite pleasing.
“It puts out a whopping 12 horsepower,” said McKeown, of Perryopolis, Pa., who bought the rare vintage vehicle about five years ago and is putting the finishing touches on its restoration.
His 1901 Model C classic car, said to be the first type to have a steering wheel, was one of about 33 Packards that were the main attraction of the 2012 Packard Antique and Classic Car Show on Saturday at the National Packard Museum, 1899 Mahoning Ave. NW.
The outdoor gathering, in its 23rd year, continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the museum. Featured today will be all makes and models of vintage cars and motorcycles.
In addition, the Historical Engine Society of Burton is scheduled to display antique tractors and engines, noted Mark Mines, an event volunteer and co-chairman.
McKeown’s 1901 Packard also has a top speed of about 20 mph and 30-inch spoke wheels, he said after having given a few dozen onlookers a demonstration on how the car starts.
For that task, he used the side crank that, combined with a compressional- release mechanism — and a bit of determination — allowed the motor to sputter several times, then start.
McKeown’s was one of fewer than 100 such cars built at a time when motorists had to buy gasoline kept in stock at local drugstores because no gas stations were around, he continued, adding that his Model C is one of three in existence.
“One of these days, I’m going to be able to afford a car with a roof and a windshield,” he said with laughter.
Unlike McKeown’s vehicle, Paul Teets’ more modern Valiant green 1950 Packard Custom 8 Convertible Victoria does have windshields and a roof. It’s also been the recipient of several American Antique Car Club of America and Packard awards.
“It gets 12 miles to the gallon, which was good for its time,” the Raleigh, N.C., man said.
His car also has metallic paint that was applied when such technology was in its infancy, noted Teets, who was with his grandson, Paul Teets III, of Louisville, Ky.
The elder Teets bought his car from the estate of the late Dorothy Ramsey of St. Louis, an heir to the family that invented the Winchester rifle. The four-seat vehicle, with a $4,520 base price, also has a heater built in the seats and nearly all original parts, he said, noting that only five such cars exist.
“I just love cars,” added the younger Teets, a business major at the University of Louisville.
It’s not every day that a person’s grandchildren travel to the local Dairy Queen in the back of a 1930 four-seat Roadster that gets perhaps 8 mpg.
On the other hand, James LaCivita of Hubbard is one of a few Mahoning Valley residents who owns such a vehicle, with an estimated top speed of 80 mph.
Nevertheless, don’t think he reserves the vintage car only for trips to the DQ. He averages 1,000 to 1,500 miles per year in it, and has driven the Roadster to Detroit, where more than 80 years ago it rolled off the assembly line.
A sampling of other Packards were a maroon two-seat 1937 Coupe, a dark-yellow 1940 Buick Limited Convertible Sedan, a gray 1954 Henny Jr. ambulance and a butterscotch-colored 1936 Coupe Roadster.
Highlights of today’s show are to include a 3 p.m. trophy presentation for the top 50 cars, an outdoor performance at 7 p.m. by the Packard Concert Band on the south lawn of the W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, and a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.