Re: The 1952/53 Monte Carlo

Posted by 58L8134 On 2010/10/22 19:03:49

Hi

I imagine the functional integrity of the finished car wasn't the primary consideration when the '52/'53 Monte Carlo was built, especially if it was done on a tight schedule to have something 'dazzling' to show.

The Coupe de Ville body type does seem to have the problem of how to relieve the air pressure scooped into the rear seat area at moderate speed. No doubt that affect would cause the handling to be erratic.

In contrast to the blockbuster Pan Americans, in my opinion, the '52/'53 Monte Carlo was a very pale effort: a little two-toning, a continental kit, opening the drivers' compartment of a Mayfair hardtop with B-pillars added to a body designed to remove just that feature....who came up with that? Maybe it's better than I give it credit.

In Packard's defense, they redeemed themselves with the Balboa X: a genuinely innovative top feature which could have been a great selling feature for Packard if included in the Detroit '57 line had it made it to market.

Steve