Re: The Packard Request

Posted by Packard5687 On 2016/9/18 13:23:05

<i>"Hey...you may be right. At least it is said that Teague gave us the "cathedral" tail light...or so legend has it. I wonder if he was just bored that Easter Sunday or inspired!?"</i>

Inspired might be the word. On Good Friday of 1954, Nance was in the styling studio looking at the clay of the '55 Patrician. The '54 taillights were to be carried over. Nance, who was known for his colorful turns-of-phrase, looked at Teague and said, "Teague, those bulls nuts taillights have got to go! You are a smart guy, come up with something and show it to me on Monday!"

With that, Teague spent Easter Sunday sketching out what became the "Cathedral taillights." Nance was delighted, gave Teague a $250 a month raise (substantial in 1954!) and a trip to Paris as a reward.

Some versions of the story have Teague being inspired by the lancet stained glass windows in the church that Easter Sunday, but I have a letter from Mrs. Teague stating that she went to church that Sunday while Richard stayed home with his sketch pad working out the idea. Perhaps he was thinking he should be in church, but he certainly came up with one of the most memorable taillight designs of the decade.