Jay Leno Drives Rare 1902 Packard Model F

The comedian showcases a historic 1902 Packard Model F alongside a 1956 Packard Caribbean in Los Angeles.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Car Culture

Jay Leno Drives Rare 1902 Packard Model F

Live Poll

Would you feel comfortable driving a century-old car for routine errands in your local area?

Jay Leno recently operated a rare 1902 Packard Model F on his show, highlighting a piece of automotive history transported from the Audrain Auto Museum. The segment also featured a 1956 Packard Caribbean, showcasing the evolution of the brand that began in the late 19th century.

Why it matters

The display emphasizes the company's legacy, which founder James Ward Packard established after suffering mechanical failures with a Winton Motor Carriage Company vehicle. It highlights the significant technical transition from the company's early, simple machines to its later high-performance luxury models.

The 1902 Packard Model F produced 12 horsepower from its 3.0-liter engine, while the 1956 Caribbean reached 310 horsepower with its 6.1-liter V8. Only four examples of the 1902 model survive out of 179 total units produced.

The players

Jay Leno

He is a famous comedian and television host known for maintaining an extensive and world-renowned private car collection.

Audrain Auto Museum

This Newport-based organization is dedicated to the preservation and display of rare and historically significant automobiles.

James Ward Packard

He was the founder of the Packard Motor Car Company and an engineer who sought to improve upon early automotive designs.

The details

The 1902 model features a three-speed selective sliding-gear transmission, whereas the 1956 Caribbean utilizes an advanced electronic push-button gear selector. These vehicles represent the beginning and near-end of the brand's production, which officially ceased in Detroit in 1956.

1899: The Packard company is founded and completes its first motor car.
1902: The Packard Motor Car Company undergoes a formal reorganization.
June 1956: Packard permanently ends all vehicle production in Detroit.
October 2026: Jay Leno presents the historic Packard vehicles on his show.

Roadmap

This presentation tracks the rapid technological evolution within the American luxury car market during the early 20th century. By contrasting these specific models, it illustrates how Packard shifted from experimental mechanical design to the mass-produced, high-performance V8 era.

Enthusiasts can view these rare artifacts through rotating exhibits hosted by national automotive museums. Collectors should note that surviving examples of early 20th-century models like the Model F are extremely limited, affecting their accessibility and maintenance requirements.

The takeaway

Understanding these mechanical milestones helps drivers appreciate the rapid pace of automotive innovation over the last century. Preserving such rare vehicles ensures that the technical legacy of early manufacturing remains accessible to future generations of enthusiasts.