Re: GearRat's '52

Posted by HH56 On 2014/1/31 22:56:28

The Pelican (later referred to by other names) ornament was an option on the lower end cars. Standard ornament was various pieces of more streamlined chrome forms. The upswept wing was a somewhat classic Packard hood ornament used in various forms thru 51 but had the wings lowered in 52. I believe the vertical wings might have still been available for awhile after the new design. I know some later cars have the vertical wings -- either added or maybe original -- as it was classic Packard.

The fender scallops or louvers were standard on some models but also available from the dealer. They were an easy dress up item so many found their way to models not normally equipped and in numbers per side that Packard might not have approved. The style changed in 52 from 51's pot metal rounded front to a stamped more pointed shape.

The long chrome "fin" above the tail lights was also an option on lower end models. The Deluxe had some of the trim item used on senior cars such as the grill teeth and more chrome inside but was still a lower end model so could have been optioned upscale by an owner.

Packard was proud of the Ultramatic transmission and did advertise it on the early cars. According to the parts manual the Ultramatic script was only used on 51's. Don't remember what was on 23rd Ultras but think there was a different look and maybe was on the trunk lid.