Re: Custom 8 line

Posted by 58L8134 On 2018/9/5 13:35:53

Hi John R.

No, there were never plans to field a '51 Custom Eight. In Packard 1948-1950, Mr. Neal on pages 90-91 detailed the pragmatic arguments by Karl Greiner, Sales Manager why the Custom should be dropped from production before the end of the 23rd Series, the trim components utilized to build a like number of Super Deluxes in their stead.

Planning and development for the 24th Series was well underway in late 1949-early 1950. During a March 1950 BoD meeting, the naming proposals were suggested: Eight = 200; Super Eight = 300; Super Deluxe Eight = 400. It was unanimously approved. When the prototype 400 sedan was shown to dealers, they objected to the lower grade trim and pricing, an upgrading took place. Not detailed is when the 'Patrician' name was added, likely at this step.

By the time the Patrician 400 reached the market, it was trimmed and priced to compete with the Cadillac 62 sedan. What was missing was a top-of-the-line Packard comparable to the 60 Special which typically commanded $600-$800 more than the 62 sedan. While the 22nd Series Custom Eight had sold relative well versus the '48 60 Special, the 23rd Series Custom was a dismal failure compared to the '49 and '50 60 Special. That premium sedan model returned very consistently good and no doubt lucrative numbers for Cadillac.

When Nance arrived, the Patrician received further upgrading to make it more competitive with not only Cadillac but also a reinvigorated Chrysler Imperial. Lincoln was doing its 'compact luxury' schtick, its cars the size of the 200.

Steve