Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi -

I am not an auto buff, collector or dealer. I am reading and studying the novel "An American Tragedy," published in 1925 and written by Theodor Dreiser.

I am not sure when the story is actually set. The author never states a year, but there is a reference in one part to a "very expensive" Packard auto that ends up in an accident.

The only detail I have of this auto, other than expensive and that it was yellow, is that there were 10 people in it: two in the front, four in the "second" seat and four in "the rear."

The car did have a roof.

I would guess that the car was designed to actually seat fewer than ten, but there is clearly the indication that there were three seating arrangements.

Given that the novel was published in 1925, and written in the early 1920's, can anyone suggest what model this may have been and what year or years Packard manufactured it? It is possible that the story is set before 1920.

Thank you.

Here is a nice picture that appeared in the Boston Globe.

It's a pre World War One car that would still be on the road in 1920. The fastest car Packard built before 1920 was a twelve cylinder, but the car pictured below would still be capable of 50 mph. Most likely the car was a seven passenger model with people sitting on each other's lap, especially if the scene involves women with men, drinking, and banjo music. You can browse the photo gallery to get a better visual.

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Well, the book is fiction so there is no reason not to think that a little fiction was also used with the description of the car. Three rows of seats and a closed car suggests a limousine which could normally seat 7 comfortably, so 10 would be pretty cozy. The limousine style was offered by Packard from about 1906 or so thru 1954.

Or it could be a vehicle, limousine or bus based on a Packard. Like those in this link to the Commercial and Professional Cars section of the Packard Photo Archive on this Site.