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Congregration

The History:

This story begins nearly a hundred years ago in 1925 when the
Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon
customized 3-Packard sedans.  According to the mechanic who stopped by to set the record straight, the vehicles were customized by cutting and extending the frame 2' feet to allow for extra long seats and accommodate the "Preachers' Platform".

One of the vehicles was sent to the church in Los Angeles (that’s why it’s not in the photo above).  The car in the foreground was eventually sent to Yakima, Washington.  The car in the background was brought back home to Portland by Don's friends Leonard, Bob and Joe.  Don had to sub at the Fire Department that day so couldn’t make the Yakima trip.  The car was taken and stored on Sauvie’s Island. 
The other two cars have never been found!

The above (colorized) photo was taken in the church parking lot across the street from the Church, which was on 52nd and Duke Street. 
Turns out my Grandparents owned the lot next door to the parking lot at the end of Henry Street where the photo was taken. Small world! 
The cars were stored at the Church’s “Outreach Center” located at 6th & Burnside in the parking lot on 6th Street.

GALLERY

 

Did you ever go for a church outting in one of these?
Do you know anyone that did?
If so, please send me an email and share your story.

 

Very curious to find out if others of these have somehow survived?


MiniLogo

 

PACKARD manufactured automobiles from 1899-1958

 

One day Don noticed the Packard sitting outside of the
“Spotless Window Washers” on 12th and Belmont Street.  Curious about the vehicle Don stopped in on his way to Portland State University one day and spoke with the owner of the shop who was also a church member.
He let Don know that there was another one of these in Yakima, Washington that was FOR SALE and could be purchased directly from the church, but that this one was not for sale.
After contacting the church Don discovered they were asking $100 for the car in Yakima.  That was definitely out of reach of a student who had completed a modest stint with the Coast Guard.  Not having $100 to spend on the car, Don went to school that day and talked nine other guys into loaning him $10 each. 
With $100 in hand, the rest is history!

 

While at PSU the car was used for a few school functions.

(Back when it was okay do drive around downtown Porltand with a keg of beer in the back). Below is a photo of just such an event.

 

PSUbus

 

Who won the game?

PSU Won 26-14

 

Now comes the fun part! This is is what we're going to restore.
Below are a few pictures of the vehicle in it's current state.


Front View

Front

Dashboard - Wood Steering Wheel

Wood

Straight 8 Engine

Engine

 

 

Storage

Currently being used as a storage unit.

 

 

Hey...looks like another party!

Wow! Looks even better after a few beers!

 

 

More pictures to follow! Watch the transformation...
Thanks for looking!
Suggestions? Input?

 
GALLERY

 

 


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