Wednesday 19th February 1862

Born on this day, George L. Weiss, US automobile enthusiast who was prominent in the early histories of Winton and Packard. In 1898, James Ward Packard and William Doud Packard, with their engineering minds decided to purchase a early Winton automobile. They set out to Cleveland to see Mr. Winton and purchased a motor carriage. During this time, James Packard met Weiss, who was working for Alexander Winton. After the purchase of the Winton automobile, it is said that Packard had numerous problems with the vehicle that required numerous repairs. On one occasion when Packard returned to visit Winton he suggested a number of improvements which could be done to improve his line of vehicles. It is said that Winton responded by saying something down the lines of “ Well, Packard, If you’re so smart, why don’t you build one yourself.” Packard took this advise and … that is how the Packard marque began. During one of Packard’s visits to Winton he spoke to Weiss and mentioned the conversation between himself and Winton. In April 1899, James Ward Packard contacted George Weiss again suggesting that they start their own automobile company. Weiss left Winton and an agreement was reached between the two Packard brothers plus George L. Weiss and W.A. Hatcher. The partnership was named Packard and Weiss. James Ward set aside a section of the Packard Electrical Plant and all involved began graphing and designing their new automobile creation. After much hard work and many hours of love and labor, on November 6, 1899 the first Packard known as the model A chugged along the streets of Warren Ohio. During 1899 there were a total of 5 Packards built.