Re: What would a traditional Packard "Senior" have looked like in 1951?

Posted by HH56 On 2017/7/29 20:38:36

I think the 356 engine was pretty much obsolete in Packards thinking by 51 and also expensive to build but if they had chosen to enlarge the 327 block earlier than 54 it may have served the purpose and would have differentiated the top spot until the V8 was completed.

Reading thru Bob Neal's book on the development of the 51-4 models, Packard seemed to be in a large state of uncertainty after the somewhat dismal sales of the 23rd series. With them wanting or needing to cut costs it is a miracle they even came out with what they did. Couple that with some of the bad decisions that sales made -- or maybe couldn't convince the board to implement -- it makes you wonder how they sold what they did. Of course, there is nothing like hindsight. I guess there is some consolation that Stude pre Packard did the same thing in 53 when management decided to build sedans but the buyers mostly wanted hardtops.

IMO, the square pattern grill is too busy for that front surround in that last photo. Maybe a wider spaced square pattern would work but that small square arrangement to me doesn't work at all. Can't think of what it reminds me of but definitely not something I would want to look at every day.