Re: Just bought my first Packard - a 1954 Henney ambulance

Posted by Packard Don On 2022/7/28 11:04:44

As with the senior Henneys, they are true coach-build cars. The chassis was supplied assembled and probably with cowl and front fenders in place (that's why the Junior has a Clipper dash when it is not a Clipper), then sent to Henney to build the body. I am not sure if Packard supplied any of the door and fender stampings but probably not although I've not yet read the book on Henney so it's possible they did. Most hearses and ambulances over the years were built that way with just the chassis and cowl to start with although later models included the doors and rear fenders too. Earlier Henneys with removable rear fenders also had those included. Stretches and conversions from passenger cars, of course, were an other matter but Henney didn't build theirs that way.

Another thing but I don't know if applies to the Junior, all that I've seen in the 1951-1954 era had the overdrive transmission even if it wasn't ordered. If ordered, a different rear end ratio was used and the overdrive connected.

And finally, all of my Henneys including my former 1948 Landaulet used the same key. I understand that they could be ordered with a different key code but none of mine have been so very possible that my key would fit your locks and ignition too!