Re: I'm thinking of creating a sign for my car for car shows and similar endeavors.

Posted by Mr.Pushbutton  On 2011/4/1 23:48:17

A couple of re-writes, for your consideration:


1956 Packard Patrician

In 1956 the Patrician was Packard's top-of-the-line four door touring sedan. 3,775 were made; about 200 remain. Although the Packard name continued for two more years on rebadged Studebakers, this was the last year for Packard/Detroit engineered and built cars, as an independent manufacturer .

How does your modern car compare?

As a very expensive (this one was about $5,000; double the price then for a nice Chevy) American luxury car, it's interesting to see how this car was originally equipped--and what was not thought of in 1956, It's worth noting that average annual income then was only $ 4,800.

Has: 1956 was the second year for Packard's new V-8 engine (374 ci, 290 hp). It was also the second year for their highly praised torsion bar suspension, which combined a soft "luxury" ride with firm cornering. "Ultramatic automatic transmission was standard equipment, as were power steering and power brakes (drums). Wire wheel hubcaps were optional, but unusual on a sedan.

Fueled weight is about 4,500 pounds; length is 18' 3".
Amenities included luxurious Jacquard cloth upholstery, a four way power seat, signal seeking AM radio, power antenna, front and rear heaters. Two tone paint was standard.

Lacks: Air conditioning, power windows (optional features on all 1956 Packards, seat belts (accessory item) lit vanity mirror(s?).
Items like individual adjustable seats, radial tires, anti-lock disc brakes, alternator, drink holders, GPS, stereo FM/CD/MP-3 music, electronic ignition (or any kind of computer!) were far in the future when this car was new.


Version 2:

1956 Packard Patrician
a legend's swan song


The Patrician was Packard's top-of-the-line touring sedan for 1956, the model name refers to the highest social class in ancient Rome.
3,775 Patricians were produced that year in an abbreviated model run; Packard ceased operations in Detroit in June of that year, rebadged Studebaker models bore the Packard name for two more years before the marque disappeared.

Comparing this car to your modern car:
As a high-end luxury offering it is interesting to see how this car was equipped. The 374 cu. In. V-8 engine was only in the second year of it's run, it produces 290 hp, and is coupled to the Packard-built "Ultramatic" two-speed automatic transmission (standard equipment on the Patrician). Packard's excellent "Torsion Level" full length torsion bar suspension gave a soft luxury ride while offering tight handling characteristics. Wire wheel hubcaps were a rarely-chosen option on this conservative sedan. Fueled weight is approximately 4,500 lbs, overall length is 18'3".
The interior features Jacquard cloth seats, four-way power assist seats, signal-seeking AM radio, power brakes (drum) power antenna,
Front and rear compartment heaters.
Your modern must have seat belts by law; in 1956 they were an extra-cost accessory item. Most modern cars have air conditioning, the original buyer of this car did not choose this option, or power windows or lit vanity mirror. Common features today like individual adjustable seats, radial tires, anti-lock disc brakes, alternator, drink holders, GPS, stereo FM/CD/MP-3 music systems, electronic ignition (or any kind of computer) were far in the future when this car was new. Like today's luxury cars, the 1956 Patrician represented the latest technology available when new.

Original cost: $5,000
1956 Average annual income: $4,800