Automotive Showplace

The Automotive Showplace is a changing exhibit space at the Detroit Historical Museum that features rare and unique vehicles from the Detroit Historical Society’s collection, presented by Warner Norcross + Judd. 

NOW OPEN in the Automotive Showplace at the entrance of America’s Motor City

1952 Packard "Macauley" Pan American

After World War II, designer Richard Arbib of the The Henney Motor Company - Packard’s coachbuilder - was tasked with refreshing Packard’s styling. Arbib’s design called for a 1952 Packard convertible to be cut in half horizontally in order to remove a four-inch strip of body to reduce its height in a process known as sectioning. To lengthen the car, Henney drastically extended the rear quarter panels while the windshield was cut and lowered for a sportier look.

This vehicle is the first of six Pan Americans that were built for the show circuit - four of which remain - and belonged to Edward Macauley, head of Packard design in the 1950s. Macauley periodically altered the car to meet his taste and current styling. Some of Macauly’s personal updates include the dashboard and “egg crate” grille insert from a 1954 Packard as well as quarter panels and taillights from a 1955 model.

Donated to the Detroit Historical Society collection by J. Bell Moran, Sr.

Specifications:

Supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts and MotorCities National Heritage Area.