We’re still a month away from kicking off our annual Ten Days of Packard celebration of the iconic American luxury brand that relocated its fledgling operations from Ohio to Detroit in 1903. And yet, your friends at Motor City Packards were busy with several club events in the first half of 2026, with many more to follow in the second.
In April, club members visited the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to see the 7,500-square-foot exhibition devoted to the genius of Leonardo DaVinci. From art and science to engineering and flight, the exhibition was handcrafted by skilled artisans following DaVinci’s original two-dimensional drawings, sketches and personal notes. In all, the exhibit highlighted 65 DaVinci inventions with a stunning array of motion, color and music, in celebration of one of history’s most brilliant minds.
In May, 39 club members gathered once again for the annual Motor City Packard Club Tech Session at Leo and Jennie Shedden’s 17-acre property west of Ann Arbor. They have graciously hosted this important gathering several times at a lovely, peaceful and perfect location. The Tech Sessions are always a popular place for members to troubleshoot car issues, share MCP memories and enjoy a wonderful potluck meal.
After lunch, mechanic extraordinaire Bob Ferrand gave a technical presentation and demo of old car ignitions. And technical knowledge was gained: Graham Kozak learned what it takes to flat-bed a Packard home, and Joel Ray learned how far a Caribbean drives when the battery isn’t charging! Also, Bruce Blevins updated us on progress at the Proving Grounds and the upcoming projects waiting for funding.
Cars making the journey to Ann Arbor for the tech session were Graham and Nina Kozak’s 1951 Deluxe Touring Sedan and Joel Ray & Sue Cleereman’s 1956 Caribbean. And, of course, Leo and Jennie Shedden’s 1937 Packard 115-C Touring Sedan, a 1950 Ford pickup, and two 1947 Custom Clippers were rolled out from the barns for the occasion.
Father’s Day on June 21 served as a coming out party for Kevin Luedtke’s newly acquired 1956 Packard Caribbean convertible, known affectionately as “The Golden Goddess.” Luedtke was honored and delighted to receive an invitation to display the car at Eyes on Design, “one of the most outstanding automotive exhibits on the planet,” held each year at the exquisite Edsel and Eleanor Ford estate in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
The arrival of the Golden Goddess at Eyes on Design was not without drama, as last-minute fixes were necessary for power steering and brakes, in addition to the exterior beauty treatment at the auto spa. But everything got done in time, and the car joined a few other Packards at Eyes on Design. And better yet, the 1956 Caribbean still looked great when it was time to smile for the cameras at the 2026 Northville Concours d’Elegance in southeast Michigan, on July 12.
