Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi

Periodically, a 1928-32 Packard shows up with a Bright Bumper installed. The website, theoldmotor.com ran this article with patent information:

http://theoldmotor.com/?p=154643

Notice in the advertisement the promise to "Bumper Ends-Lenses and Reflectors Replaced Free If Ever Broken". Was that ever a different era than now!

Steve

I always thought it was called a "Bright" bumper because it had lights on it. This article tells why. Cool bumpers. I just bought one.

The big question: Besides for Packard, were there any other auto companies that offered the bumper as an "official" accessory?

Whether or not the exact same bumper manufacturer, yes such bumpers were presumably offered by others. You'll occasionally see a vintage photo of something similar on a Pierce, Loco, etc. though I suppose they could have been aftermarket units.

But, is there proof that they were officially offered. In an accessory brochure, etc. Packard's accessory brochure from 1928-31 shows the bumper, as seen in the illustration I sent to Old Motor.

You'll see it pictured (though not described) in the 1929 Packard accessory catalog. I think you know the illustration, page 2. I've posted the picture here previously but here it is again.

Attach file:

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Yes. I have that catalog. It's actually for the 1930 Model year, published in November '29 (at least, mine is... blue cover). The car pictured is a 740 phaeton, but there are some images inside that are of 1929 (or earlier) vehicles.

I'm wondering if Pierce or Locomobile advertised the Bright bumper. The Buick roadster seen in The Old Motor website indicates that Buick offered it, but there is absolutely no evidence (so far) showing that it was an official factory authorized accessory.