Rolls-Royce developed the legendary Merlin engine that held land, aviation and water speed records. It was unmatched but the Rolls factories were threatened during WWII and the company needed a partner in a safe country that could produce the engines as well. They also had to be able to produce them up to Rolls-Royce standards. Packard was the one.

Packard built Merlin engines for the Lancaster bombers, P-51 Mutangs and other airplanes during WWII in its Detroit Factory with American workers who served on the home front by transforming the auto factories into the Arsenal of Democracy. Many credit the industrial might of this country with winning the War.

These engines won the Battle of Britain and took the fight far into Germany. Other Packard engines were enlisted to power PT Boats.

For More information: http://www.pt-boat.com/

And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_...

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