Re: Great Packards

Posted by gerardo On 2008/12/13 10:16:45

A question for you all: How were the '55 and '56 Packards viewed by the Automotive press back in their day? Are there any comparison tests from the era comparing the Packard to the Caddy? I would be very interested to read them.

The last big Packards are fascinating cars, but the Cadillacs and Imperials give me the impression of being opulent and luxurious in a more substantive way. Just look at things like the interior door panels and appiontments. Is my impression correct? I think the fact that the Packard was based on an older body, sort of shows through.

Also: who were the buyers for the '55 and '56 senior Packards? Old time Packard owners or people switching from other makes? Any info on this?

Something to chew on: IMHO the best bet for Packard would have been if it had merged with Chrysler.

The Imperial should have been positioned as the top-of-the-line Chrysler competeing with the Roadmaster... and the Packard as Chrysler Corporation's luxury brand competing directly with Cadillac.

The Imperial name was so imbedded in the public's mind as a deluxe Chrysler, I think they would have done well to take over and develop the Packard brand: imagine... the Packard Lebaron.