Re: V8 Model Production Figures

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2010/2/21 1:07:38

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For the Executive, I guess, so far, there has been a reference to original production figures, contained in a document, that appears to have a signature page originating from a Packard source in 1951, but which also includes the typed caveat mentioned earlier: "Your suggestions toward improvement or expansion [of the list] will be welcomed."

Perhaps this referred only to corrections to improve the figures for very early models, where records may have been difficult to verify. Or perhaps it referenced possible errors or omissions in 1950's models, as the Kimes book cited regarding their decision not to quote figures for production by model in '54-'56.

I wonder why the cover remained unchanged, stating the dates 1899 to 1951, if an addendum had been made for the last 5 years of production?


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I guess then that accepting the generally agreed upon figures is a matter of belief, too. A lack of contrary evidence proves accuracy?


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And continue to believe that it's not, if you wish.

I hope the discussion gets beyond belief through popular consensus. It makes sense to find several examples of published data, and what sources they can cite for their figures, before agreeing that what's always been considered correct and has been copied several times is in fact correct. Especially when a person who had access to basically everything available in existing Packard archives in 1972 decided the definitive data did not exist.

I'd like to get my hands on another Kimes-edited book: The Standard Catalog of American Cars from 1946 to 1975. While it's not Packard-specific, I'd like to see what Packard V8 production figures, by model, she eventually decided were accurate enough for publication, and what primary sources are cited, if any.

With the cheapest used copies going for $129, and better ones for over $300, and no new copies available... not likely to find out soon unless I can locate one at a library.

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