Re: Packard caravan 1955, Valdosta Ga.

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/4/13 11:03:30

The Brooks Brierley article "The Last of the Big Packards" may have some clue as to the reason the windshield wipers are missing on the test car, and perhaps to some changes made before the car started it's publicity circuit. In his discussion of the Proving Grounds run, he says:

"The run included a number of interesting details. The "pheasant windscreen was one of them. Early in the run, a pheasant came up over the guard rail and was hit by the test car. On a subsequent lap, another pheasant jumped the rail and went through the windshield. Something was needed to protect the car. A piece of Plexiglas was sent out from the Detroit airport and taped to the space where the windshield had been. The Plexiglas would scratch if the windshield wipers were used, so the wipers were turned off". Perhaps he meant the wipers were removed?