Shelby Charter Township in Shelby Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
In Times of War
Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy"
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
1. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker
Packard answered the call to arms,
turning its automotive expertise to the production of thousands of trucks and Liberty aircraft engines in World War I. The world again turned to Packard's "Master Motor Builders" during World War II, as their engines powered Lancaster bomber aircraft, Supermarine Spitfires, Mosquito fighters, and P-51 Mustangs, and the famous island-hopping PT boats in the South Pacific. Chrysler Defense Engineering leased the Proving Grounds during World War II to test tanks and other tracked vehicles, before automotive testing resumed there after the war.
You Auto Know
During their work on tank testing, Chrysler Defense Engineering built the large testing building behind the Proving Grounds' Repair Garage.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Roads & Vehicles • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list.
Location. 42° 39.689′ N, 83° 2.2′ W. Marker is in Shelby Township, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Shelby Charter Township.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Packard Takes Flight (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Extreme Testing (about 400 feet away); Made for Speed (about 400 feet away); "Quality First" (about 500 feet away); The Vincent Family (about 500 feet away); Base of Operations (about 600 feet away); Packard Proving Grounds (about 600 feet away); Packard Motor Car Company / Packard Proving Grounds (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelby Township.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
2. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker - upper left image
Tank test maneuvers being observed by officials during World War II.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
3. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker - middle left image
A Chrysler tank in test action on the oval test track.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
4. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker - middle center image
A Chrysler tank being tested at the Proving Grounds during World War II.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
5. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker - middle right image
Accidental collision between two armored vehicles during testing at the Proving Grounds during World War II.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation., August 3, 2019
6. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker - lower right image
Mechanical crew on a tank by the Engineering Building.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
7. In Times of War: Packard's "Arsenal of Democracy" Marker
In the background are the Packard Proving Grounds watertower and the Chrysler Building.
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 218 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 7, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
