Re: 1954 Patrician

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/7/13 10:57:46

"The 400" was derived from a published (some would say snobbish) listing of the very socially elite families of the time and meant to denote that the 400 series were for the upper crust of society. The Patrician was considered in the "400" series from 1951 thru 1954 (in fact it was the only member of the 400 series except for the occasional limo, 7 pass sedan, Derham or other custom), just as Clippers were 200 series, convertibles and hardtops were 250 series prior to their becoming "senior" line cars, and the Cavalier represented the 300 series. Beginning in 1955 "400" denoted a particular body style (2-door hardtop) within the senior series, and not the entire series.

PS - reading this over, I see I've not done a great job of explaining it but I know someone else will come along and clarify it.