Re: The Second Packard "Twin Six"

Posted by Packard53 On 2008/9/21 19:16:18

55Packardguy: I know that Owen expressed his views on why Packard went 10 years without producing a V12 engine. What he stated is correct, but I would like to add some of my own views.

After reading a lot of history on Packard. I think that when Packard came out with the straight eight engine in 1923, they truly had a better engine than the Caddy V8.

One problem that Caddy had with their first V8 engine, it had a vibration problem at certain speeds. From what I am able to understand Caddy was never was able to solve this problem. The Packard inline 8 was a much smoother and polished engine than what GM could come up with. However when Caddy came out with the V16 Packard was forced to respond.

During the 10's, 20's and 30'w Caddy was never in the same class as Packard concerning luxury cars. Several years ago I was able to drive a 1932 Caddy All Weather Phaeton with the V8 engine. Then I turned right around and rode in a 1933 Packard Dietrich V12 Convertible Sedan. I could tell right away that the Packard was by far a better car than the Caddy.

John F. Shireman