Re: fender mounted rear view mirrors

Posted by BH On 2010/2/7 14:55:55

Guy -

The Packard parts book only lists one outside rearview mirror for use on all 55th-56th Series models, and what is shown in both the 1955 and 1956 accessory catalogs corresponds to the images I posted above. (The 55-56 parts book and accessory catalogs are available, free, for download, here.)

Though I've never seen a mirror such as what you've described, I'm not denying the existence of it. However, it is more likely an aftermarket piece. I have seen plenty of key blanks, fobs, etc. billed as rare, factory-original, genuine Packard items, that weren't listed in parts books, but closer inspection revealed them to be aftermarket in origin.

In one sense, we should be grateful that someone thought the Packard segment of the market was still substantial enough to merit attention. Also, I doubt if Packard policed the aftermarket, back then, for counterfeit items as ruthlessly as the each of the Big Three have since the mid-'80s.

Now, I'm not saying it's wrong if someone wants such a mirror on their car - just that it is not authentic.

Yet, if such a mirror turns up, it would be nice to see a pic, here. Perhaps we could at least document it as period-correct aftermarket accessory.