43rd PAC National Meet

Date(s): June 23-27, 2008


Despite the news reports of severe flooding in the Midwest, Packard enthusiasts gathered in Des Moines, Iowa during the last week of June for the 43rd annual Packard Automobile Classics National Meet. The images of sandbags and swollen river banks did little to deter this loyal group. Nearly 180 registrations were recorded and over 80 Packards graced the parking lot at the host hotel. One of the fun aspects of a Packard meet is seeing the variety of models and styles that Packard produced over a nearly 60 year span. This year, visitors enjoyed a variety of vehicles ranging from a 1927 343 Rollston touring car to two 1958 Packard Hawks, the last authentic vehicles to bear the Packard nameplate. But the story doesn’t end there. A Bayliff Packard hearse was also on display to represent one of a few attempts made over the years to revive the Packard marque after the production ceased in Detroit and South Bend.

The week began with tours to local areas of interest. The Packard Club believes that cars were made to be driven and some National Meet outings are always designed as driving tours so that people can qualify their Packards for judging. One such outing was a trip to the bridges of Madison County, made famous by the Clint Eastwood film. Several rustic bridges served as a scenic backdrop for car owners to snap a few photographs. Other trips took visitors to the seven Amana Colonies, a settlement that first appeared in this country at Buffalo, New York and moved to Iowa in 1855. Amana is the home of the appliance company of the same name. The Living History Farms allows visitors to walk through 300 years of history from a 1700 native American farm to a complete 1875 town. The highlight of the Reiman Botanical Gardens was the walk-through butterfly exhibit. Such trips make a national meet of any car club a fun event. This writer especially enjoys visiting cities that are not typically thought of as tourist destinations. People from the local region who host the meet are eager to show off their home town and there are always interesting things to discover that one might not otherwise experience.

After a few days of touring, Wednesday was set aside for club business. PAC held a board meeting and a general membership meeting in the morning and in the afternoon, the judges met to prepare for the next day’s Concours. There was plenty of time to browse through the many trays of parts in the swap meet area, or converse in the busy hospitality suite. Thursday is much anticipated by meet attendees because of the car show and judging that is always held in a memorable location. This year, Salsbury House, an English Tudor 42-room mansion built in the 1920s, served as an ideal spot – if only the weather had cooperated! Severe thunderstorms rolled in the evening before and threats of hail prompted many Packard owners to move their cars to the covered parking lot at the Des Moines airport across the street.

Thursday began with cloudy skies and we all hoped that the worst was over, but no such luck. The sky darkened so that 10:00 am looked more like 10:00 pm. Lightning bolts began to dance across the sky and thunder roared as the rain began to pour. The judges diligently inspected vehicles under umbrellas as vehicle owners huddled indoors and watched the activities through ornate leaded glass. The rains finally subsided late in the day and that evening featured a vintage fashion show at the hotel, which is a popular event at PAC national meets. Both men and women dress up in clothing that was popular during Packard’s 59-year life span from 1899 to 1958. As each outfit was announced, George Hamlin ably provided musical accompaniment on a portable electric organ.

Friday featured a series of informative seminars ranging from auto restoration tips by Jim Hill to the changing state of motor oil and how it affects the classic car owner by Nick Dixon and Mike Crane.

Bill Jepsen spoke of Iowa-produced automobiles and Don House lectured on Packard’s well-earned reputation as “master motor builder” and discussed the company’s leadership in the production of aircraft and marine engines in times of peace and war. The Packard hearse made by Bud Bayliff was featured in a talk entitled “How we made new Packards for people who wanted new Packards and couldn’t get them anymore” held by Dwight Bond from 2nd Chance Classics.

In another seminar earlier in the week, Dan Hudachek explained the auto restoration program at McPherson College. This unique program is turning out a new generation of expert automobile restorers and The Packard Club is proud to welcome McPherson College to the club as an Associate member. Buses took some folks to the Hemken Collection – an astounding car collection in Williams, Iowa. There, one can see and appreciate a wide variety of vehicle makes. Most were convertibles in original, unrestored condition. At the awards banquet that evening, we saw a presentation for next year’s meet in Branson, Missouri. It looks like another great meet at an outstanding family vacation destination.

After a farewell breakfast Saturday morning, there were plenty of hugs and handshakes as people headed for the airport or the open road to make their way home. As we traveled, we were already looking forward to getting together again next year.

To see pictures of this fabulous event, visit our 43rd PAC National Meet folder in the Gallery section!