Re: Packard Request

Posted by BH On 2015/9/29 11:24:26

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Not sure whether I got the notion that the crest was plastic from an old magazine article or that I (mistakenly) assumed that the builder had borrowed a piece from the '54 Seniors. Perhaps I misinterpreted the use of the term 'cast' in that context.

Regardless, here's a nice view of that detail on the car from another site:http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/1187884,23811/1955-Packard-Request-Concept_photo.aspx

...which appears to show a polished/plated and colored metal part. Sure looks a lot like the same pattern as used for the plastic crest (to me).

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I understand the purpose of pilot production vehicles. However, the 'hand-constructed' parts that you (Leeedy) cited are only trim pieces, and we have seen several examples of changes in trim from pre-production (as shown in the early 55th Series brochures) and even running changes during the production year (such as the 55th Series Clipper side trim). I even had a couple of original Patrician rear door (spear) moldings that were cast in bronze.

However, it's not like the Request was some hastily cobbled-up mule. I doubt that the regular production body shell would have changed so much from the pilot run that the Request front clip could not have bolted right up to ANY 55th Series Four Hundred. Heck, we've seen '55 front fenders installed on '56 models and vice versa, and I'm sure you know the subtle difference betwewen the two.

Anyway, thanks for providing further details.