Re: 1951 Dietrich Limo

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/6/27 8:33:00
There were apparently 4 1951 Dietrich-designed (actual builders unknown) cars but none were limousines, all were based on the standard Patrician body and 127" wheelbase chassis; two are believed to have survived.

There were also apparently 4 limousines that were Dietrich-designed and built by Henney on a 149" wheelbase, but these are 1952 models; one has survived but is in terrible condition, you can find photos of it on The Packard Club forum. What little information exists on these cars can be found in the Robert Neal book on 51-54 Packards and I suggest you start your study with that book. One of the curiosities on the 52 limos is the source for the 149" frame as A.O. Smith didn't begin supplying Packard with a frame of that length until a bit into the 1953 model year. For a historically significant car an incorrect engine certainly would have an adverse affect on value.http://www.packardclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1519

PS - Ray Dietrich closed his last shop in Grand Rapids, MI in 1953 and went to work for Checker in Kalamazoo. Some of his early 1950s commissions in addition to Packard were for Lincoln, Ford & Checker. An extensive biography of him at Coachbuilt.com

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