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Do you know about the abandoned Packard Automotive Plant?

14 July, 2016

Founded in 1899, Packard was an American automotive marque that produced a suite of luxury automobiles, including the Packard 120, Packard Clipper, Packard Hawk, and many more — until the company shut its doors in 1958. 

Even though it’s been closed down for more than 50 years, the abandoned Packard Automotive Plant still stands, although looking rather sad these days. The giant 3,500,000-square-foot plant now acts as a canvas for graffiti artists, a hunting ground for paintballers, and is also known to act as a home for some (see the video below about Allan Hill). Check out these videos that explore the abandoned plant, and read more about Packard in the August issue of New Zealand Classic Car.

NZ Classic Car magazine, January/February 2026 issue 403, on sale now

15 December, 2025

Morris’ ground-breaking, world-beating, Minor
It was Britain’s biggest small car, and it got Britain mobile again.       Morris Motors celebrated its millionth Minor in December 1960, a car that defined the British motor industry, and was in production for 10 years alongside the iconic Mini of 1959.
Whakatane dentist John Twaddle has a passion for Morris Minors going back to 1982, and he still has his first example. There are now three ‘Morries’ in his garage. One, however, is quite special, a rare ‘Minor-Million’. 
One of just 350 made commemorating the millionth Morris Minor produced, the first British car to hit a million units, the well-rounded little Brit’ would end production in 1971with a tally of over 1.6 million units.
John finished his Minor Million six years ago, resplendent in lilac, its official factory colour. He calls it his ‘Minor Resurrection’, and it has won numerous awards.
This summer edition also comes with our annual FREE classic car calendar, a must for every garage wall.
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, our poster is of a couple of garage mates, a 1957 Ford Ranchero and a 1968 Lincoln Continental.