Re: Why no Packard in a "Packard"?

Posted by Mahoning63 On 2012/4/5 15:04:18

Everyone covered the ground quite thoroughly. The engine was a non-starter for Studebaker in 1957.

One thing I have always wondered is whether the engine could have found application in a high-end Packard-badged truck series. Studebaker's pick-up styling was outdated by 1957 but International had a nice modern look. Perhaps a deal could have been struck and the "quickie" styling money funneled towards the '57 Packardbaker might have instead served to create a nice looking Packard truck series. Certainly the engine would have been a brute.

By 1957, after years of botched management decisions, Packard really had only one avenue to survival, if it had any. It had to borrow heavily from another OEM. Perhaps International for the truck, Merc Turnpike Cruiser for a body and frame upon which to create a Predictor sedan, coupe and convertible. Such strategic maneuverings would have depended heavily on the donor company's willingness to partner.