Packard Proving Grounds Test Track and Timing Tower

A group of interested historians from many walks of life including members of Packard Clubs, the Classic Car Club, and the Antique Automobile Club joined together with the elected officials of Shelby Township and citizens to save a significant portion of the Proving Grounds. The Packard Motor Car Foundation offered to open negotiations with Ford. Extensive negotiations and re-negotiations led to Fords offer to gift the seven acres of land containing the grand entrance gates, the Lodge building, the Garage building, the elevated water storage tank, and the Chrysler Defense building to the Foundation for restoration and perpetual care. An additional seven acres has been set aside for later acquisition that currently contains the timing tower, a 458-foot section of the test track, and the relocated Lindbergh hangar.