Shelby Charter Township in Shelby Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Packard Proving Grounds
Preserving Automotive History
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
1. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker
There were wide open spaces here
when the Packard Motor Car Company purchased almost a full square mile of land to the west for a new testing facility. The site opened in 1928 with a high-speed 2 1/2-mile oval track with banked curves and a timing stand, an airstrip on the infield, and miles of off-road test areas. Famed architect Albert Kahn designed the elegant Lodge, Repair Garage and main gates to reflect the stature of Packard. Today, The Packard Motor Car Foundation owns and maintains the remaining 14-acre tract of the site as a landmark in automotive history.
You Auto Know
A 158-foot section of the original oval testing track remains at the west end of the site.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 42° 39.684′ N, 83° 2.056′ W. Marker is in Shelby Township, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Shelby Charter Township. Marker is on Van Dyke Avenue, 0.4 miles north of 22 Mile Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Packard Motor Car Company / Packard Proving Grounds (here, next to this marker); Base of Operations (within shouting distance of this marker); The Vincent Family (within shouting distance of this marker); "Quality First" (within shouting distance of this marker); In Times of War (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Packard Takes Flight (approx. 0.2 miles away); Extreme Testing (approx. 0.2 miles away); Made for Speed (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelby Township.
Image courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
2. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker - left image
Artwork showing the important role of the Proving Grounds in Packard's corporate culture, 1928.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
3. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker - lower middle image
New models were often unveiled at the Proving Grounds, as in this display of new 1930, 7th Series Packards.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
4. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker - upper right image
Early aerial photo of the Proving Grounds, showing the main 2 1/2-mile track and off-road testing areas. At the bottom center are the main site buildings and driveways.
5. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker - lower right image
The Packard Proving Grounds Open House in the spring, hosted by The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
6. Packard Proving Grounds: Preserving Automotive History Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 7, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
