Quiz Archive

What is it ? # 127 (UPDATE III, II & I : 1903 Packard Model K... No Winner !)

Update III: Evan Ide responds to Update II: "The designer of the Model k Pacakrd Charles Schmidt was hired in 1902 and began work on the Model K almost immediately. He was a Frenchman who had most recently worked for Mors and had over 8 years of car designing experience."
Update II: Hans Compter writes that according to his data Charles Schmidt left Mors to go to Packard in 1904, which would make it impossible to be the car of 1903. Who can help on that? Evan?
Update I: Nobody out there was capable recognising a Packard... All the fun was on our side this time. And of course with Even Ide (author of: the Packard Motor Company PackardMuseum.org) who sent us the photo: "The photo may look like a French car but it is the ill fated Packard Model K. Packard had hired an engineer from the Mors company (of france) and he was quite influential in the design of this car. The car was the most expensive American car at the time at around $ 7500. A few were sold but all were recalled back to the factory due to constant mechanical trouble. I have theorized that this car could be the reason for the conservative approach taken by Packard after this point. Prior to building the Model K they had produced single cylinder mid engined cars of relative simplicity. The Model K was a complete departure in all aspects with a four cylinder engine with atmospheric valves in a Panhard system chassis. The elegant coachwork is by Henri Binder of Paris." Edit.: Evan Ide's book contains lots of great original photos of this not so very well known car...
(photo courtesy Larz Anderson Auto Museum) EARLIER TEXT: It is a not so succesful model of a highly succesful make of car.... We understand this model did not exactly have the proverbial simplicity of Tin Lizzie. It was Killed by complexity. Click the photo and enjoy the detailing of the car and start worrying who for heaven's sake made the fine coachwork. As, you may have the answer to 1. Make 2. Year. 3 Model , but 4. the extra question: which Coachbuilder? may cause a headache. Come on, suprise us! As usual only the best answer will win the comfortable Roadmap gillet (vest)which can be very handy on chilly autumn/spring drive outs.

Rules:

- send your answer to \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it BEFORE Monday, October 18

- PLEASE mention in the subject line of your e-mail: # 127

- include, for in case you win: your shirt SIZE, being S,M,XL or XXL and the ADDRESS where we should send the shirt

- unless otherwise stated there is ONE winner

- please mention if you were an earlier winner (1,2 or J)

- THREE time winners automatically become Jury member, but of course there is no obligation in any way

Friday, 15 October 2004