Re: Interesting Packard taxi in Times Square, 1949

Posted by 58L8134 On 2018/4/8 7:59:10

Hi Guscha

Automakers generally avoided the taxi segment because it was so cut-throat in pricing versus specifications. The vehicles had to have rough service components beyond what was supplied in general private sale vehicles and do so at fleet prices with little profit margin on relatively low volumes. Checkers and the Desoto Sky-Views were spec'd out to meet those requirements at fleet pricing.

Packard catalogued business sedans intended for the livery market, such as funeral coaches and company fleets for transporting important clients. The Harris Hill fleet would have been livery cars for upscale hotels, courtesy transport from the railroad station or airport, analogous to black town car service rather than the yellow/orange taxis plying the streets for fares.

Packards and other luxury cars in livery service were to provide courtesy transport by "The best hotels and other fine establishments to which gentlemen repair with no fear of embarrassment".

Steve