Best of its day?

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2011/2/23 0:33:49

Much has been said and written and argued about the Packard Torsion-Level suspension; whether it was "first" or "unique" or "best" or whatever. But I wonder what you think about the following contemporary views of the time, and whether anyone could cite an American car of the era that could best the Packard with Torsion Level suspension for ride and handling?

One quote:

"... different from any other car...for stability, both front and rear ends have independent stabilizers... You can drive into a corner at high speed with this car and the body remains almost level... It was the most comfortable ride I've ever had with a feeling of security at all times."

--Floyd Clymer


Another quote:

"... a great contribution to the world's motor industry... at least one manufacturer realizes that the conventional coil and leaf springs leave much to be desired... Not only is the 1955 Packard safer than many of its contemporaries, but it is much more comfortable."

--Car Life



I don't think Floyd Clymer was beholden to Packard, and I doubt Packard was a big advertiser in Car Life.

NOTE: Quotes from: 'Packard, a History of the Motor Car and the Company"
Beverly Rae Kimes, ed. Copyright 1978, Automobile Quarterly, pg 592