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Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Packard Motor Museum

Name: Packard Motor Museum
Address: 1146 State Highway 14, Whangarei, 0179, NZ
Telephone: +6494348214

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Packard Motor Museum

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OPEN - Tuesday to Saturday
10am - 4pm
5 Sheds full of Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles and much, much more!
Drive on out , come on in.
Bring a friend - and bring a camera 📷

It's well known,
there's something for everyone
at the PACKARD MOTOR MUSEUM.
So drive on out, come on in,
bring a camera and a friend or two.
The Museum is on State Highway 14,
12kms west of Whangarei,
in the centre of Maungatapere Township.
The Museum is now Open
Tuesday to Saturday
10am - 4pm

Phone : (09) 4348214
or : 027 614 0445
E-mail : [email protected]
or : [email protected]

Our website is www.packardmuseum.co.nz

This vast collection of classic and vintage vehicles including the following;
• Packard Motor Cars
• Other classic cars of interest
• Classic motorcycles
• Military vehicles
• Fire-engines
• Horse-drawn vehicle and a Replica Mail coach
• Allis-Chalmers bulldozers
• Early NZ Earthmoving machines
• Early Tractors and Traction engines
• Buses and Commercial Vehicles
• Stationary Engines
• Early Telephones
• Sewing Machines
• A collection of Chainsaws, Handsaws etc.
• Cast Iron stoves
• Vintage Toys
• and a range of Pioneer domestic items and paraphernalia
DON"T FORGET - Our World Famous (in Maungatapere) 126 Potato mashers.

The collection began back in the early 1950’s. The founder, Graeme Craw, had a strong interest in the Industrial Revolution which took place during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. He was passionate about preserving the machines and artifacts and accordingly, collected a wide range of machines and artifacts, particularly those pertaining to colonial New Zealand. Graeme also sought to preserve the historical evolution of one car. The Packard caught Graeme’s attention because its makers were first class engineers building America’s most prestigious cars. Hence the collection houses Packard motorcars, covering most models from 1919 to 1958 when the last Packard was built . The collection is reported to be the largest privately owned collection of Packard motorcars in Australasia and probably beyond.

24/10/2026

1921 Packard Single Six Roadster
This scaled down version of the more expensive and luxurious V12 Packard, is referred to by some, as the baby Packard. Initial buyer response to it was less than enthusiastic, as it was still too expensive compared to other cars on the market. It had to be brought down in price before it started selling well.
This particular car was imported from Newhaven, USA in 2004. It seems the customs officials hadn’t done a thorough job of inspecting the interior; when Graeme Craw purchased it, he was surprised to discover a large bottle of genuine Canadian maple syrup tucked away behind the driver’s seat. Hence the name ‘The Maple Syrup Express’.
The car still runs. On the recent start up day when it was reversed, it was implicated in the injuring of a mannequin – but no harm done – we reassembled her without problem.
It is the second car on the right upon entry of the museum.

21/10/2026

Thank to the Jaguar Club for their visit.
They enjoyed themselves and our Manager Geraldine enjoyed the excuse to bring her Car to work.
Guess which one it is ?
No cats, dogs or any animals were harmed in the making of this epic although my brain was a little fried , no change is noticeable....
Enjoy.

14/10/2026

The Northern Trucks Classic Commercials Club turned up on Tuesday and filled up the car park and all the grass area with their massive vehicles. The museum was full of well over 100 interested truckies plus other visitors, who were attracted in by the trucks. An enjoyable day for all who visited. Vince Cocurullo arrived to check out the action and interviewed Fenton Craw, director of the museum. The club then continued north on their tour. Keep an eye out for them on the road.

07/10/2026

1919 Opera Coupe – a luxury vehicle with an infamous past.
Packard, an American luxury automobile company, produced this elegant vehicle. Often driven by a chauffeur with 2 passengers in the back, it also had a small fold down seat – suitable for a doorman. Clearly a vehicle for the well to do!
But - how the mighty have fallen! With its V12 engine, it was also a fast car in its day; capable of speeds of up to 85mph. For that reason, it was allegedly used by one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals—a bootlegger and counterfeiter—for getting ‘joy-juice’ from Canada into America. The back seat was replaced with a copper tank to carry moonshine.
Customs seized the car, which had been abandoned in a ditch after a police chase, and auctioned it off.
Later, Graeme Craw purchased the painstakingly restored car from America and had it imported to NZ, where it became the oldest car in the collection.
It can still be started!
It is the first car on the right upon entry of the museum.

02/10/2026

More visitors at the
Packard Motor Museum...
Jaguars....
I refuse to make comments about purring, roaring, snarling,
they were very nice people, thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
The cars were nice, very nice too...
Feast your eyes 🤓😎🥸🔍🔎

29/09/2026

1993 Jeep Cherokee Chrysler
Named after the Native Indian tribe, American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced the Cherokee in 1974.
In 1987, Chrysler took over AMC, mostly because they were interested in the Jeep Cherokee.
The second generation of 6, the Jeep Cherokee XJ was produced between 1984-2001. It took over the role of the station wagon, became well known as the innovator of the modern Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and was part of the evolution of the 4x4.
At the Packard Motor Museum, the 1993 Jeep Cherokee is located in the big back shed.

24/09/2026

1991 Rover Metro
The Rover Metro started out as the Austin Metro - a supermini car produced by British Leyland in 1980 - and meant to replace the Mini. For a while it was Britain’s best selling car. Then in 1990, instead of creating a whole new design, Rover launched a restyled and re-engineered Metro. It won 'What Car?' “Car of the Year” in 1990. After 14 years, the name was scrapped and the new model became the Mk2 Rover 100.
Interesting fact: Lady Diana Spencer owned a Metro before her marriage to the then Prince Charles – the popular belief was that he gifted it to her.
The Rover Metro at the museum is a 5-door hatchback with a K series 1.4 litre engine. It can be found in the (mostly) English shed.

15/09/2026

Ford Probe 1995
Originally intended to be the fourth-generation Ford Mustang ST-16 in America, and to fill the gap in the market left by the Capri in Europe, the Probe was a byproduct of Ford’s collaboration with Japanese company Mazda.
Designs for the Probe started in the late 70’s, prompted by the energy crisis - Ford Mustangs, having V8 engines, are thirsty! - and production began in 1988. The first generation Probe, with its futuristic styling and enjoyable drive, was so successful, demand exceeded supply.
But because it had Japanese engineering, front wheel drive and no V8, Mustang fans didn’t approve - in 1997, the Probe was discontinued.
This car can be found to the right of the roller door in the big back shed at the Packard Motor Museum.

10/09/2026

1999 BMW 318i – E36
The anglicised version of the acronym BMW equates to Bavarian Motor Works. Originally BFW, an aircraft engine manufacturer, it became BMW in 1922. It diversified into producing first motorcycles and then automobiles, becoming a major player in the automotive industry.
Interesting fact: after the factories in Germany were bombed during WW2, and banned from producing aircraft and vehicles, BMW survived by manufacturing pots, pans and bicycles!
Produced from 1990-2000, the BMW 318i or E36 is a four door saloon. The name indicates it is the 3 series, has an engine size of 1895cc and uses fuel injection instead of a carburettor. The wedge shape was heavily influenced by aerodynamics.
This is not strictly part of the Packard Motor Museum collection, being my car; it can be found in the museum car park on Tuesdays, Thursdays and occasionally Saturdays.😀

03/09/2026

Saturday 5th September
The Annual PRE-Fathers Day Start-up Day
1030 am
Lets hope the weather behaves...

Address

1146 State Highway 14
Whangarei
0179

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+6494348214

Website

http://www.packardmuseum.co.nz/, https://www.instagram.com/packardmuseum/

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