Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Roger is correct, I did not see this thread years ago or I would have commented.

Roger,
Persistence pays off!

What does this area look like now? Maybe next time in the Detroit area, it will be on my to see list.

Hello... I also assure you that several press photos of 1955 and 1956 Packards were indeed taken at the Cranbrook Academy/Institute. It is easily recognizable in photos, but I have seen several times online where people wonder about the location and don't seem to recognize the very obvious background and even statuary. Or claim it is someplace else.

Packard even had its own version of the Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild contest held there where young guys were encouraged to build models of designs they made for future Packards. Unfortunately, this contest seems to be forgotten in Packard lore now. But I still remember it.

Let the Ride...
There have been some changes since 1955 - additions to buildings, etc. but you can still make out where Packard placed the cars. Also, as the concrete sections have deteriorated over the years they have replaced the sections with concrete, but without the three, saw-cut rows. Still, it would be neat to see if you are ever in the area.


Leeedy:
Indeed Cranbrook was a site for Packard photo ops. And as for the design competitions that is true too. In preparing for the 2006 PAC National Meet in the Motor City I was doing some research at Cranbrook and accumulated quite a bit of data on a design competition in 1950. Ever since I wanted to write an article for the PAC publications about these competitions and the close ties Packard had with Cranbrook. Maybe later this year.