James Ward Packard: The Man Who Outbuilt Winton

James Ward Packard founded his luxury brand out of spite. Challenged by Alexander Winton to "build a better car" after buying a faulty one, he did just that. His engineering background established the brand's legendary quality.

The Ultimate "I'll Show You"

In 1898, James Ward Packard, a successful electrical manufacturer from Warren, Ohio, bought a Winton automobile. It was terrible. It broke down constantly on the drive home. Frustrated, Packard took the car back to Cleveland to complain directly to Alexander Winton. Winton, tired of the criticism, snapped back: "If you think you can build a better car, why don't you?"

Packard took the advice literally. Utilizing his factory and his brother William's help, he rolled out the first Packard Model A in 1899. It was smoother, more reliable, and better engineered than the Winton, launching a rivalry that Packard would ultimately win.

The Electrical Advantage

Before cars, James had founded Packard Electric (which later became part of GM/Delphi). This background gave Packard cars a massive advantage. While competitors struggled with primitive ignition systems, Packards had reliable wiring and advanced spark timing. This reliability gave birth to the company's confident slogan: "Ask the Man Who Owns One."

Inventing the H-Pattern

Packard wasn't just a copycat; he was an innovator. One of his most lasting contributions to the automotive world was the H-slot gearshift. Prior to this, shifting gears involved confusing linear levers or complex mechanisms. Packard patented the "H" pattern, which became the global standard for manual transmissions for the next century. He proved that a luxury car should not only be reliable but also intuitive to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was James Ward Packard and why is he a titan of American automotive history?

<p><strong>James Ward Packard</strong> (1863–1928) was a visionary American mechanical engineer and industrialist who co-founded the <strong>Packard Motor Car Company</strong>. Born in Warren, Ohio, he leveraged his engineering degree from Lehigh University to move from electrical manufacturing into the automotive world. Unlike mass-market pioneers, Packard focused on the ultra-luxury segment, establishing a brand that stood as the "American Rolls-Royce" for decades. In 2026, he is remembered as the architect of a legacy built on the slogan, <em>"Ask the Man Who Owns One."</em></p>

What is the legendary story behind the first Packard car?

<p>The birth of the Packard brand is one of the most famous anecdotes in car history. In 1898, James Ward Packard purchased a <strong>Winton</strong> automobile that proved to be highly unreliable. When Packard took his complaints and engineering suggestions to <strong>Alexander Winton</strong>, the founder supposedly snapped, <em>"If you're so smart, why don't you build a better one yourself?"</em> Packard took the challenge literally, teaming up with his brother William and George Lewis Weiss to build their first vehicle, the <strong>1899 Packard Model A</strong>, in their Ohio electrical factory.</p>

How did James Ward Packard revolutionize car controls?

<p>James Ward Packard was a pioneer of ergonomic and mechanical innovations that we take for granted today. He is credited with several "firsts" in the industry, including:</p><ul><li><strong>The Steering Wheel:</strong> Packard was the first to replace the traditional tiller with a circular steering wheel on a production vehicle in 1900.</li><li><strong>The Accelerator Pedal:</strong> He introduced the foot-operated hook-up accelerator.</li><li><strong>The "H" Gear Slot:</strong> He refined the manual gear shift pattern into the familiar "H" configuration.</li></ul><p>These innovations solidified Packard’s reputation for <strong>precision engineering</strong> and intuitive design in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century.</p>

What was the significance of Packard Electric Company?

<p>Before building cars, James and William founded the <strong>Packard Electric Company</strong> in 1890. They manufactured incandescent lamps and specialized in electrical systems. This electrical expertise gave their vehicles a major advantage, as early cars relied heavily on reliable ignition systems. While the car company eventually moved to Detroit, Packard Electric remained in Warren and was later acquired by <strong>General Motors</strong>, eventually evolving into the global automotive supplier known as <strong>Delphi</strong>.</p>

What was the "Twin Six" and why did it change luxury cars?

<p>Under the corporate vision established by James Ward Packard, the company released the <strong>Twin Six</strong> in 1915—the first American-made production <strong>V12 engine</strong>. This 12-cylinder powerhouse was renowned for its incredible smoothness and quiet operation, allowing the car to crawl at walking speeds in top gear and then accelerate effortlessly. It set the gold standard for luxury in the USA, proving that multi-cylinder engines were the ultimate expression of mechanical refinement.</p>

What is the "Ask the Man Who Owns One" slogan?

<p>James Ward Packard is widely credited with creating the most famous slogan in automotive history. When a prospective buyer asked for a sales brochure that didn't yet exist, Packard allegedly told him to <strong>"Ask the man who owns one."</strong> This reflected his supreme confidence in the quality of his product. The phrase became the centerpiece of Packard’s marketing for over 50 years, emphasizing <strong>peer-to-peer recommendation</strong> and the high social status of the brand's clientele.</p>

How did James Ward Packard contribute to the defense industry?

<p>During <strong>World War I</strong>, Packard engineers utilized the company's high-performance engine expertise to co-develop the <strong>Liberty L-12</strong> aircraft engine. This 400-horsepower engine was the backbone of American military aviation during the war. This technical crossover between luxury car engineering and military aero-engines demonstrated the sheer versatility of the Packard technical staff that James Ward had hand-selected.</p>

What was James Ward Packard’s connection to Lehigh University?

<p>James Ward Packard was a deeply loyal alumnus of <strong>Lehigh University</strong>. In 1930, his $1.2 million bequest funded the construction of the <strong>James Ward Packard Laboratory</strong> of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. To this day, the laboratory serves as a center for engineering excellence in Pennsylvania. The university also houses "Old Number One," the very first 1899 Packard automobile, which James donated to his alma mater as a symbol of his educational and industrial journey.</p>

Was James Ward Packard also a famous watch collector?

<p>Beyond cars, James Ward Packard was a world-renowned collector of <strong>horological complications</strong>. He engaged in a famous "watch war" with banker Henry Graves Jr. to see who could commission the most complicated timepiece from <strong>Patek Philippe</strong>. His most famous commission, the "Packard" pocket watch, featured a celestial map showing the sky exactly as it appeared over his birthplace in Warren, Ohio. This obsession with timekeeping reflected his lifelong dedication to <strong>mechanical perfection</strong> and precision.</p>

How is James Ward Packard honored in the 2026 automotive world?

<p>In 2026, James Ward Packard is an esteemed member of the <strong>Automotive Hall of Fame</strong> (inducted 1999). He is honored as the man who brought the "American Rolls-Royce" to life through sheer stubbornness and engineering brilliance. His legacy is maintained by the <strong>National Packard Museum</strong> in Warren, Ohio, and by thousands of collectors in the USA who continue to follow his advice and "Ask the man who owns one."</p>