Two Classics, One Car: A Collector Shows Off Her Lifelong Favorite | The New York Times

After six decades, Margaret Dunning still breezes down the road in her creamy 740 Packard roadster.
Related article: nyti.ms/oojmNl
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Two Classics, One Car: A Collector Shows Off Her Lifelong Favorite
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[@peterc1018]

Sadly Margaret passed away on May 17 2015. Age 104. I had the pleasure meeting her when she came into the auto parts store were I worked to purchase oils for her 1966 Cadillac. She was such a sweet lady. We love you Margaret

[@peterc1018]

Don't know how many old cars she owned. She was visiting Jay Leno and his collection of rare cars in California Were she fell and died. RIP Margaret

[@marshallman1au]

RIP .....

[@tyrssen1]

Thanks for the update, Peter C, though I obviously found this video rather late. She didn't look 101 in it! "Live Long And Prosper," Margaret. Thanks for a unique look at a very cool car.

[@Suzuk1r1der]

R.I.P Margaret. :(

[@jacquelinecampbell9964]

I was wondering if she was alive still.

[@rareblues78daddy]

Think about this: Margaret was 20 when this car was brand new in 1930. To me, that's amazing.

[@dave_riots]

Both are beautiful. :)

[@dave_riots]

@Kevon Boss That's a shame. She was so young. :(

[@sirena7116]

It makes me wonder how a 20 year old afforded a Packard when they were new. They were I believe seen as more luxurious than a Cadillac.

[@bismark7108]

Also she manage to keep the car during the huge économic crash of 1929, at the time many people lose their job, home and car.

[@kristoferrim]

18

[@dawsonwillibey9855]

I fell out of my chair when she said she was 102 she looks 70

[@alhambor9637]

And the sad is that she passed out in may 2015

[@trapsarentgay4195]

What's crazier is that she's mentally stable

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

102? I could have sworn she said 101.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@alhambor9637 I think you mean "passed away," or "passed on." To "pass out" means to faint.

[@alhambor9637]

@@michaelpalmieri7335 passed away

[@VitalityMassage]

Amazing woman and such a beautiful car!

[@maherelmasri1818]

Vitality Massage I

[@wellingtonsantosPreacher]

Vitality Massage true

[@maryrafuse2297]

She is a real character. Wonderful car as well.

[@nickkohlhafer7714]

I Agree!!! Her Car Is Fantastic!!!

[@thomastsangthomas1616]

Yes she is👍🏼

[@retroolschool]

5 thumbs down? People of bad taste im sure...This lady was right about everything she said. 2nd time I watch this and didnt notice at the end until now that she stepped on rag to get in the car. Perfectionist right there!

[@moxzilla6]

retroolschool what does it mean to step on the rag?

[@mrgokarcik1084]

@@moxzilla6 that she realy cares about her car xD

[@joer8854]

Did you notice that she used a cloth that's the same colour as the interior?

[@Johnnycdrums]

@@moxzilla6 ; To keep the running boards immaculately clean.

[@uffejarliversen7280]

retroolschool . Dont mind them , they must be envy in their missable life.

[@wueen]

BOTH Beautiful classics

[@bazzinbulgaria4826]

...or the way I see it........BOTH are classic beauties! RIP sweet lady.

[@alexkalish8288]

Reminds me of my great grandmother who worked until 104 and died at 107, completely lucid to the end. Margret here was a great woman in every respect and her car reflects her character, durable and ell designed.

[@stuartfitzsimons2786]

Still able to change the oil herself, Wow! RIP Margaret!

[@OfficialKillaJ]

Wow, 101?? Unbelievable! She looks way younger. This is an awesome video

[@atranas6018]

yeah. she looks 96

[@rcrbrewster7840]

Or she could have been a 2 year old roaming the deck of TITANIC.

[@mrpineapple3655]

She looks 70-80

[@ThomasJones-sz3sx]

Great genetics!

[@Maadeye]

She doesn't look a day older than 70. We need more people like her, she is so full of life , people like her deserve to live that long

[@12alocin]

She is more fantastic than even the car.

[@ToLoveIsToLive89]

Oh how I loved watching this! I wish more people appreciated the classics.

[@markharrisllb]

I have rarely felt so privileged to have seen a KZbin video, thank you for posting. I see that Margaret is no longer with us, RIP to an amazing lady.

[@fomoco1454]

LOL, have you lived your entire life in Plymouth? Not yet. I love it!

[@EmilyTienne]

Wow, she seemed so not old. Sharp mind, keen sense of humor. I would have guessed her age to be 80-85. Very cool car as well.

[@oliviersimonneau4932]

Whoever had her as a grandma was f*cking lucky, not only do u get to ride around in nice cars but it's rare to have a lady that old who can still walk and drive and do all she does.

[@jomorris8819]

Beautiful lady at 101. love the car. May she rest in peace until God brings her back up out of her grave.

[@hoplite46]

how do youknow shes dead?

[@hotnews3366]

Jo Morris Another comment says she passed on May 17 2015 aged 104. RIP 🌺

[@jamesburns2232]

Margaret will come back during the Rapture riding on a white horse! My Aunt is 104 and quit driving 10 years ago because she didn't want any legal hassles if she got into an accident whilst driving her 1995 Ford Taurus. She felt that due to her age, nobody would listen to her version of what had really transpired.

[@jimmieroan9881]

her and the car were on several tv shows, classic cars etc, very articulate and very respectful. what most of todays generation don't realize or understand is that before the written word, radio, tv, internet, books etc, the only way history was passed from generation to generation was through the spoken word, the older people were revered and treated with respect because their stories were the history they had lived. today most of our generation dismiss us older people as being in the way and try to avoid conversations. most of us have plenty to say and are probably smarter than perceived.

[@arianna3661]

I can't believe she's really 101 years old. She looks 80 at the max. Does she have a birth certificate to proove it? Awesome lady, awesome car and awesome attitude!!! Bravo!!!

[@trapsarentgay4195]

@Von Musklaus shut up

[@chrtravels]

Good for her! This lady rocks.

[@slovakianchic]

Everyone is fascinated by the car and her spirit. Let's stay focused on the fact that she is 101 or maybe even older today if not gone as yet. That is the biggest accomplishment...and to be driving at that age. The Packard is an extra astonishment

[@timmccullough409]

It is wonderful to see you enjoy your beautiful car the way you do ( and work on it ) at 101 years of age. You, my dear, are an inspiration 😊

[@WHELDON74]

Gives us all hope. Wonderful woman and a great car, love this a lot.

[@chargermaster8740]

WHELDON74 my gramps had a car like that saw a foto of it from the late 50s

[@E34Benzin]

Awesome woman and Packard! One of the biggest and coolest female petrolhead I've ever seen. She's a true enthusiast.

[@MsMarciax]

Love how this car makes the Honda look tiny, tacky and very insignificant whilst driving past it... Nice and Classy :)

[@cjandpalsbydanielmcintosh7281]

I totally agree with you. She made her 1930's Packard look like a luxury car, compared to the mid 2000's car that she drove by.

[@HenricPelegric]

I had to double view the video to see that worthless Honda

[@bigblocklawyer]

Hondas are tiny, tacky and insignificant...

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@bigblocklawyer Except the motorbikes and the S800.

[@Turitea]

Proof that there's no need to give into "age" I knew a wonderful woman still driving and serving the community at 103. I see she made it to 104 before stepping off the planet.

[@tomfurie2996]

Someone should interview/video her asap.

[@theflamingpearl]

you go girl! she looks at least twenty years younger!

[@prrbill]

God Bless, Margaret. Your video reflects not only your vitality but the spirit you still have for enjoying the good things. And the Packard is certainly an accurate reflection of you.

[@gav240z]

If only more of us were more like this, looking after the things we have and not throwing stuff out so readily the planet would be better off for it. I think so long as we have a purpose in life we will live to a ripe old age. She is proof.

[@kblackav8or]

How can there be 50 people that dislike this. This is great.

[@jbpruitt11]

They are the kind of people we commonly refer to as ASSHOLES.

[@GTLees]

Exactly Jim Burton, a complete lack of maturity, respect and class. I'll bet they never keep anything for as long or as well as this lady kept her Packard and I'll even bet that they don't last as long as she did as well.

[@daw162]

Probably 99 year-old men who wouldn't spring right up the running board like she did at the end of the video.

[@chipcool6654]

She looks amazing for being 101 years old, looks just as great as the car.

[@maveric0738]

Amazing to see a beautiful elderly woman still driving and taking care of her beautiful classic car. God bless.

[@Jasongy827]

THAT is a sick Packard. Amazing and beautiful, and I'm so happy this lady just enjoy it. That car, the door sound, the light fixes, and honestly for me it's quirks and unconventional gadgets makes this car amazing. From what I heard Packard cars in the early 1900s-1930s were their golden years. It's like a Rolls Royce, but by an American company.

[@stephenwinter8892]

I've seen this video a thousand times and I never get tired of it and very grateful for margaret dunning

[@logicalblueberry]

Wow, this is the third old lady I've seen on KZbin who owned classic cars and drove them for decades. The last one is Mimi who bought a 1970 Volkswagen beetle in 1970 in San Juan Capistrano and is still driving it at 90 years old. I hope she can keep driving it for 15 or 20 more years like this lady. The other one is Grace who bought her 1957 Chevy new and just passed away on 8/24/23. Heartwarming stories.

[@lawrencegbailey5212]

Both precious!!!

[@northeastrailwayproductions]

The times that woman lived through. Amazing to think about.

[@ldodom]

I love this woman.

[@TheDustyBritches]

I Love LOVE that car! I love all of those 20-30's models. Some day I'm going to own one. The only thing greater than the beauty of that car is you! 101! You go Lady!

[@gregorywalstrom4160]

What more can I say but; WOW!

[@jackgibbons7410]

she's a credit to us all God bless her

[@stranraerwal]

Incredible woman...101 years old...and an accomplished driver and mechanic. CHAPEAU !

[@crabmannyjoe2]

This lady is so awsome and this is so wholesome. It makes me happy!

[@brich2929]

Rest in Peace, Margaret!

[@JessiLondonV]

She was a badass! This is awesome

[@goosesteppa7642]

I wished my grannie drove a car like that!

[@graemedurie9094]

What a marvellous lady, so full of life and enjoyment. I did not pick up how long she'd had the Packard.

[@judytaggerty6108]

Amazing lady 101, wow. And love the classic car, in prime condition. Thanks for sharing.

[@Vegapr27]

If only more people would preserve old cars like she did with hers. People who hot rod their classic cars are truly brainless idiots and do not deserve to own a classic.

[@tobiaszistler]

daniel vega here is one that beguns with that since 18 Ill never buy a new car never ever I feel the same like the old lady the new cars have lost their individuality and Personality...

[@mrmaniac3]

daniel vega I couldn’t agree more. It’s a shame when people strip the chrome trim off of their cars, paint over the bumpers, swap the engine for a crate engine, and tear out the interior. And then they top it off with unremarkable custom wheels.

[@joer8854]

@@mrmaniac3 Anyone is entitled to do what they want with their car. Most people I've known Modify cars that are too far gone to be preserved. Honestly it's great to see a car brought back from the dead but that car is most likely all original, it's not the same. I see nothing wrong with either.

[@mrmaniac3]

Robinson Joe that is true. I still personally would not stray too far from the original, even if the car I obtain is a baked husk of a car. I’d still restore it to a more or less factory intended style. Of course I can’t stop somebody from doing what they want, and it is better than nothing for it to be turned into a hot rod. Still, if somebody buys a car and turns it into a hot rod, where somebody could have turned it into a snapshot of the past, I think it is still a shame.

[@joer8854]

@@mrmaniac3 The best mods are when you look at it and it looks like it belongs back then and yet it's unlike anything you would have ever seen back then. It's mindblowing to me to see that and I love it.

[@chorton38305]

How could over three hundred a**holes thumbs down this video?

[@vinmanr2d2]

because they SUCK !

[@PastelMangoRoseh]

craig horton they sucks long shlongs

[@Lion-dr7uv]

craig horton They're Jealous!!

[@Toastmaster_5000]

probably felt immasculated because this grandma's car is better than theirs, and, because she knows how to actually maintain it properly.

[@villa_zapatamexico6745]

because they can't do an oil change and change out spark plugs. . .

[@tonyschram1260]

It’s great to see the owner of a classic and valuable car take it out and enjoy it the way it was intended.👍👍👍

[@Liveeventman]

Absolutely fabulous

[@Blogengezer]

Uncle was a Doc who owned and lived in his own brownstone office clinic in Chicago, their pharmacy was downstairs. His wife was his nurse. They owned a similar Packard, but a blue and black Brougham custom wagon with side curtains. It was their big 'station wagon' for every day driving. When patient was really sick or risked a breech birth, it transported them in a stretcher to Lutheran Deaconess. When a patient died, it became a hearse for their casket. They did business for many years in that Packard... both coming and going :>)

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Simply fantastic and nearly unbelievable. What else can I say than: I'm totally flabbergasted how agile this 101yo lady still is/was. O.K. it's a really great car too, but the real star is this lady for sure. Thanks a lot for taping editing uploading and sharing.

[@Magnetron33]

Thanks Margaret, whereever you are now! RIP Dear Lady!

[@richarddifino7358]

Met her in person years ago in Santa Fe New Mexico. Amazing Lady!

[@rubendaniel8248]

Wow old is gold, she took lot of care for the car, I think she was wonderful person. May her soul rest in peace Amen.

[@laflame8548]

Finally there is wonderful sound track ❤️❤️❤️

[@jlinnlinn4241]

What a sweetheart. My mom is ninety but she drives an SUV. However, with nine children she bought a motor scooter and got her motorcycle license before all nine of us did. God bless both.❤

[@reneecook9736]

She’d be a really cool grandma

[@adriancutillas]

i was thinking exactly the same. i wish my grandma was like that lol

[@Atlanesman]

WOW I remember vividly in the 50's I could tell a GM, Ford or Chrysler by their engine and exhaust sounds. The Cadillac and Buick sounds were very distinct. LOVE this woman and her video.

[@philancell884]

Wow she and that car are both amazing! I'm 61 and disabled and can't change my oil!! Beautiful.

[@goosesteppa7642]

I would have given her the oil for that car!

[@cadz4me]

Ma'am, you are a TRUE inspiration! THANK YOU for sharing this timeless piece with us, along with your incredible attitude to life & your HUMOUR! OMG, I believe THAT'S the secret to living a long, healthy life . . . & maybe driving an old Packard or Caddy helps as well! Today, I crown you as official auto - grandmother to every car nut on this planet! God Bless You Ma'am . . .

[@triplanelover]

I wanna buy her dinner and some drinks and talk about our Packards !!!! I'm just a kid to you, 61.........oy my back

[@mlackey9812]

To Margaret: Thank you for sharing a few min. on an afternoon with all of us. Just so your memory knows, you were so right when you shared what a joy it is to have a relationship with an 'Automobile' that wasn't born in a wind tunnel. I derive great and simple joy from driving....actually 'driving' my families 90 year old 'Automobile' every day. Not listening to the radio, texting, reading emails, going 80 mph. Just the simple joy of 'motion with out effort' .....a 'car' I find it very calming whether you're wanting it to be or not. Going 35-45 mph in a vintage Automobile really feels like freedom from the Earth. A wonderful and delightful experience. RIP lovely Lady.....

[@goosesteppa7642]

I would have given her $100.00 to have gone for a ride in that car with her!

[@amariusqueadmare9012]

Actually, the "thumbs down" were from people who liked it, but were upset that the clip had to come to an end, at all.

[@jimlinkowskl1438]

That's the ticket!

[@aladik2010]

Granny SO AWESOME !!! I wish to live like that in 101. God bless you !!!

[@andromeda9340]

what a beautiful piece of art on wheels

[@soularddave2]

I go to the old car show in St. Louis every Easter. Yesterday, there were 100's on display. Few were this old, and few of the exhibits looked or sounded as well kept as this one. NONE of the exhibitors were either!

[@etherealcereal4424]

I hope that car ended up in a museum. Everything about that car's existence is one of a kind, these days.

[@Internethoarder454]

My grandpa gave me his 1965 Ford Falcon Convertible when I was 17. I've rebuilt the front end and the top end of the engine, so far. Even when it gets frustrating it's still one of the most rewarding feelings when I get to drive it!

[@rodneyscott2108]

Your car is a gem and so are you😀😀

[@doberman1ism]

Beautiful woman! Beautiful automobile! I learned to drive in my mothers 1959 Oldsmobile Rocket.

[@kennethnakamura3936]

What a vibrant woman a real inspiration to the rest of us

[@ccoleman1978]

I don't know But I love you and your dedication...... Years later

[@nickkohlhafer7714]

Outstanding Car And A Very Sweet Lady! Her Car Is Amazing And Cool To See!!! Rest In Peace, Sweet Margret. We Love You!!!

[@camham2097]

she looked young for 101, rip Margaret love you heaps xxx

[@hotnews3366]

Beautiful car and an amazing lady. RIP Margaret 💖

[@tomshiba51]

Both she and the car are timeless! Yes, yes, I'll say it; my grandfather drove Packards too. He ran rum in them from Lake Erie along the north coast of Ohio into Toledo. Now those were the days of innovation and self-responsibility.

[@mrdylanjoseph]

Do you still live in Ohio? I'm from Mansfield, live in Columbus, but I lived Toledo for quite awhile. There is a lot of history in the glass city!

[@tomshiba51]

No, but I shall again someday.

[@azia5051]

I like old cars then the new one and I’m here in 2019 and 2020 I hope she will be here in earth forever 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤗🤗🤗🙏🏻🥺

[@azia5051]

Rest in pace 🥺🥺

[@TommyChardonneret]

When I am privileged enough to witness an extraordinary person like lovely and witty Margaret, it makes me momentarily drop my despair and resume some self-esteem in being part of the human species!

[@donaldhipple4921]

What a grand lady 👏

[@deniseboldea1624]

Mrs. Dunning was a fixture in Plymouth, she did quite a bit of the maintenance work on those cars herself. She was also a prominent member of the historical society having donated the building that the museum sits in, as well as the 2 cast murals depicting early life in Plymouth that adorn the front entrance. My older sister once met her in a Resturant, after a brief conversation she asked the lady what she thought the key to a long life was. Mrs. Dunning's reply; Don't get married! 😆

[@shawnfoxfirth9684]

Remarkable . .rather than resting in peace May The Road Rise Margaret I truly hope there's endless roads and a finely tuned straight 8 in front of you ...God Speed

[@charlescoryn9614]

How beautiful......And how amazing! It takes me back to my youth when I was so fortunate as to have a 1939 Cadillac V-16 Coupe, I believe the number on the tag was 33. It had been restored by the local Cadillac agency in Columbus, Ohio. That was in 1957, and I remember it like it was yesterday. And she's 101 years old and still driving? I notice how she placed the rag on the running board to prevent any damage..... and she says she changes the oil and can replace the spark plugs. Incredible woman!

[@katherinenavarro8463]

I've always wanted this car

[@FaisalKhan-hb9gj]

Wonder how could someone thumbs down for such beauties ... RIP Mam, your an inspiration ...

[@kengriffin3495]

I had a 1927 straight 8 Packard Roadster until the head froze the first winter because my Dad and I didn't know that after draining the cooling system you had to run the engine to steam out the water left in the head. Had to sell it because we couldn't repair the cracked head (it can be done these days) and couldn't fine a replacement.

[@Avidcomp]

Sad to hear of her having died. Looking at Ms Dunning here, she looks like she could have had another 10-20 years in her. Probably the most beautiful centenarian I've ever seen.

[@shawnsmith2052]

Such a wonderful LADY. She has class, style and full of life. She isn't dead she lives on in heaven.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Margaret Dunning was an amazing lady. May she R.I.P. (Sadly Margaret Dunning passed away on 17th May 2015 at age 104)

[@charlottemace1810]

I LOVE HER! SHE IS GREAT! GOD BLESS HER FOREVER!

[@nielskjr5432]

Fantastic car! And a very sweet Lady. Can't believe she's more than a 100. So witty and sharp

[@challengerbrant]

That car is stunning. Wowzers!

[@sharonortedschempp8759]

Good for this precious, very active lady!! a 1932..... Way to go, Margaret......!! y father had a a 1936 Black Chysler, two-door businessman's coupe, which I partially restored but sold as the process was becoming too expensive. I did enjoy driving it for the brief time that I had it running again..... :). Ted Schempp, Nashville

[@TheCattlekings]

such an awesome story

[@RoguePyxel]

Speechless

[@krissmavromatis1993]

Amazing Lady..

[@danoconnor618]

we need more like this lady.

[@selenar144]

Oh wow!!! bravo bravo!!!

[@cerealkiller5665]

Awwww, I was watching and enjoying this lady, then saw when the video dropped.