Re: 1951 Packard Twelve What-If

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2011/6/13 22:36:32

A while ago on another thread I speculated on what might have happened if Packard had bought Studebaker a few years sooner.

Studebaker brought out their OHV V8 in 1951. Packard could have had a V12 based on this engine in 1952 or 53.

Comparative size and HP, Studebaker 232 cu in 120HP, Packard 348 cu in 180HP, compare to the contemporary Chrysler Hemi V8, 331 cu in 180HP and Cadillac 331 160HP.

Such a V12 would have been no longer than a straight 6, actually shorter than the 288 straight eight and the same weight or less.

I have speculated about a Packard lineup for 52 or 53 consisting of a junior or Clipper line with the 288 cu in 130hp straight eight and a senior line with the 180HP V12.

To be followed in a few years by a junior line with the Studebaker 289 220HP V8 and a senior line with 434cu in 330HP V12.