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Los Alamos Limo -- 1941 Packard Clipper |
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 "Ask The Man Who Owns One" was the famous slogan that stood for one of the finest automobiles produced in America. The Packard, first produced in 1899 in Warren, Ohio, pioneered many American production vehicle innovations outlasting most of its early contemporaries. It is no wonder that when the need for a vehicle to transport scientists working on the Manhattan Project from the railway station in Lamy to Los Alamos and the Trinity base camp, a custom built Packard limo met those requirements. Of the 16,600 1941 Packard Clippers produced, the Fitzjohn Coach Company converted 100 into custom limos. The National Atomic Museum (NAM) has the opportunity to restore this limo used by the Manhattan Project and only one of three of these vehicles currently known to exist.
 Discarded and left to rust and decay in a junkyard in Grants, NM, this piece of history's only future was to be dismantled and scrapped for parts and material until it was rescued by a collector of armored military vehicles. After being forgotten and allowed to deteriorate for decades in the harsh weather of western NM, its historical importance was realized and the vehicle has been given the opportunity to take an important role in telling the story and history of the Manhattan Project at the NAM. Though it is missing pieces and is only a shadow of the outstanding vehicle it was in the 1940's, this Packard will be returned to its original condition as when completed in 1941. An extensive 24-month restoration project is planned, using the skills and talents of an Albuquerque restoration business that specializes in Packard automobiles.
 If you are interested in assisting with this project or know anyone who might have parts or an interest in donating to this vehicle, please contact
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at the NAM.
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