1956 Executive Discussion / Comments

Posted by BryanMoran On 2014/7/11 18:49:21

I used to have a Collectible Automobile magazine on the Executive, but I may have to re-purchase.

There is a seller in the Cormorant News Bulletin advertising a 56 Executive 2 door hardtop for sale. I spoke with him yesterday.

I did a google search on 56 Executive and found a nice article which refreshed my memory.

The production numbers for the Executive were 2815 in 2 door and 4 door.

What is the actual production for the 56 Executive 2 door hardtop? I understand they basically were last minute desperation replacements for the Clipper Customs.

Since I read the book The Fall of Packard Motor Car Company by James ward, I have wanted a 56 Packard because he made it seem like "I was there" in the final days of Packard.

My thinking was that by buying and owning a 56 Packard, I was owning a better portrait of automobile history then, say, a 1966 Ford Galaxie.

I could sort of feel the anguish of Packard line workers as they knew they might be assembling the last true Packards.

So, here is a 56 Executive, arguably less then a 400 or Patrician BUT a definitely unique last minute desperation tactic by Nance to "save" Packard.

What intrigues me is that production of the Executive did not begin until - what? - February 1956. By June all production had ceased. Therefore, all Executives had to be made in the last 4-5 months of production.

The reason for my post is to get the experts to chime in on facts or fiction regarding Executives, whether the Executives are seen as interesting artifacts in the eyes of Packard collectors, whether they are indeed rare in the 2 door hardtop configuration and whether they are seen much at all in the meets and events.

I like the looks of the Executive with the heavier front Packrd grille. I like the smooth looks of the Clipper Custom and could care less whether a 352 or 374 powers the car, it would be adequate.