1925 Packard "Goddess of Speed" hood ornament or mascot. Mounted on Marble base. Half of base is missing. View pictures for current condition. Last picture in set shows complete ornament for comparison only. Please contact me with any questions
The ornament depicts a kneeling, winged female figure (based on Nike, the Greek goddess of victory) with her arms outstretched, holding a disk that symbolizes a tire or wheel. The figure's hair appears to be flowing backward, conveying a sense of speed and momentum.
This specific design was used on Packard automobiles from the late 1920s through the 1930s and into the 1940s, with various slight design changes over the years.
. The "Goddess of Speed" was designed by Joseph E. Corker, with later variations created by Werner Gubitz and John D. Wilson.- The hood ornament went through several stylistic changes, including different details in the wings, some with sculpted feathers and others more angular.
- It was often colloquially referred to as the "donut chaser".
- The original hood ornaments are often mounted on bases, such as the marble one in your image, for display purposes by collectors.
Collectibility and Value
Original Packard "Goddess of Speed" hood ornaments are highly sought after by collectors of automobilia and can range significantly in price depending on their condition, year of manufacture, and originality (e.g., original part vs. reproduction or Franklin Mint pewter version).