Re: 56 concept

Posted by 58L8134 On 2018/11/18 11:19:47

Hi

First a word about civility, personal response to styling and body configuration is subjective; it either appeals or repulses to a greater or lesser degree. Whatever the case, it is never an excuse for incivility when commenting. What our mothers told us still applies: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". This forum is a refuge from the incivility rife on line, please keep it as such.

Also remember, if no one ever posed the question "what if", we'd have none of the cars we do now. As a creative mental exercise it's as valid as any, it can inform our forward thinking and give us a broader perspective and insights into historic eras.

To the '56 concepts: Paul has explored further the thought path which can be seen in the '56 400 four door hardtop mock-up by Creative Industries. The importance of the four door hardtop to the mid-'50's industry can not be understated. It was on par then with what the crossover is to the current market. Both are/were a major shift in consumer preference to a new configuration.

For medium and luxury makes, Packard's market segment, the four door hardtop quickly displaced the four door sedan in overall take rates. Within two years after their introduction in the spring of 1955, four door hardtops dominated sales of all four door models which were the bread and butter of automakers. Had Packard been able to develop the model for 1956, it could have been a boon to sales, notwithstanding all the other headwinds they faced.

As far as styling, slab-sides and lower profiles were still the dominant trends. Until Packard could field an all-new body series incorporating both trends, those modification to the Contour platform to conform with what was current would have assisted sales. Door handle placement was an ergonomics matter, stamped pockets to accommodate slim, low-profile handles was a coming trend as well.

Steve