1909 Packard Model 18 Limousine Project

Description

The 1909 Packard Model 18 Limousine represented the luxury brand’s commitment to opulence, engineering precision, and quiet refinement. Powered by a 326 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine producing 18 horsepower, the Model 18 was designed for smooth, reliable touring. Its limousine variant featured a formal enclosed body, often chauffeur-driven, with plush interior appointments tailored for elite clientele.

Built on a 112-inch wheelbase, the Model 18 Limousine offered a dignified ride, enhanced by Packard’s patented “Ask the Man Who Owns One” reputation. The vehicle’s elegant proportions, brass-era detailing, and coachbuilt bodywork reflect the transitional period between horseless carriages and modern automobiles. In 1909, Packard produced 802 Model 18s, with a limited number configured as limousines. Today, just three original limousines are known to survive. 

This 1909 Packard Model 18 Limousine is being sold from the collection of the late Alex Connell, an avid collector and restorer from Wyoming. The last work performed on the car was in February 2009. The limousine is considered a project because it has been in storage for years and currently does not run. The sellers say the car retains most of its original parts. According to documents, the original ignition coil was converted to a modern Bosch equivalent. 

This Packard is now offered with ownership history, a toolbox, and a clean Wyoming title in the name of the Connell Trust. 

Factory Equipment 

• 326 cu-in T-head four-cylinder engine with updraft carburetor producing 18 hp 

• Three‑speed selective-sliding manual transmission 

• Brass-accented headlamps, sidelights, and tail/brake light 

• Brass radiator trim, lamp shells, horn, and latch hardware 

• Front bench seat with black tufted leather upholstery 

• Rear bench seat and rear-facing jump seats with cloth upholstery 

• Wood dash, floor, and body frame pillars 

• Warner Auto-Meter tape-measure speedometer and odometer 

• Warner Instrument Company clock 

• Side window curtains 

• Passenger-assist straps in rear compartment 

• Solid front axle with semi‑elliptic leaf springs; live rear axle with semi‑elliptic leaf springs 

• Friction shock absorbers 

• Stamped numbers include: 

  • Engine: 9355 

  • Dash Plate: 9355 

  • Clutch: 9355 

  • Steering: 9348 

  • Body: 9513 

  • Seldon patent plate: 91655 

Modifications 

• Ignition coil has been converted to modern Bosch unit

• Repainted at some point; car wears blue paint with green pinstriping, blue fenders, and blue wooden spoked wheels 

Servicing 

• Non-original white rubber tires (marked Elizabethtown, Pa.) 

Documentation 

• Ownership history (typed and handed down from previous ownership) 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips and scuffs 

• Rear interior quarter trim panel upholstery is worn and missing some fabric 

• Rear seat has holes and stains 

Ownership History 

The original owner of this 1909 Packard Model 18 Limousine was Pauline R. Thayer, of Lancaster, Massachusetts. She sold it (date unknown) to Sully Garganio, of Princeton, Massachusetts, who owned the car until July 14, 1965, when it was purchased by Gene Zimmerman of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Zimmerman owned the Model 18 Limousine until 1982, and the car has had five owners since, including the Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas and finally Alex Connell, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, whose family is selling it from his trust.

Mr. Connell’s children, trustees of his estate: "Our late father, Alex Connell, was an avid collector and restorer of brass-era autos, tractors, and antiques. We are working our way through selling his extensive collection. We believe the frame may have been painted and some restoration done, but we’re not sure. The car is pretty complete with original parts. It has been stored in garage for decades, and unfortunately, we don't think it runs at this time.” 

Included Items 

• Toolbox with reproduction wooden insert and period-correct tools 

• One spare tire (not mounted on spare wheels)