The Final Detroit Packard
It was June 25th, 1956 when the final Packard vehicle rolled off its Detroit assembly line. (Top Image: Wayne State U.) Since that day, the infamous Packard plant has stood as a beacon of hope and despair to the citizens of The Motor City.
The Packard car was an icon during its 1920′s and 30′s heyday. By the 1950′s, with competition from other American auto makers, and also struggling sales of the Studebaker, no lifeline could save the once mighty car company.
Sections of the Packard plant continued to be utilized by various corporations and auto makers over the decades. But the dilapidated structure also remained as the first of many great turn of the century Detroit facilities left abandoned after the great flight during the 1960′s. A large fire destroyed parts of the Packard plant less than two years ago, where this terrifyingly gorgeous photo above was taken. Can you see a Phoenix in the blaze? Probably not in this lifetime.
Leave a Reply