Re: Scan from a new box of documents

Posted by Cycle-Car On 2012/8/21 13:06:41

Hi Gene,

The data sheet is fascinating. I'd love to see the other materials that you've got and learn their history.

Although I don't wish to share Dad's personal diaries or have excerpts reprinted, I'm willing, on occasion, to look stuff up if it would be helpful.

The '52 Packard 200, the first Packard with the interconnected suspension, was called the A-1, and the second car, a '53 Patrician, was called the A-2.

Information from your page "Torsion 27.pdf" identifies two cars being tested on 9/24/54. The Custom Clipper, #5561-1, was known as the A-3 vehicle, and the Patrician, #5582-1, was A-4.

On 9/21/54, Dad recorded: "...new parts for A-3 + A-4 - drove A-4 (Patrician) set up steering gear on A-3." On 9/23/54: "Drove A-1 to P.G. [Proving Grounds] A-2 OK on tire tests. Tested A-3 and A-4 for compensator load capacity. 270 lbs + 6 pass each." On 9/24/54: "Packard 8:00 - 11:00P.M." ... "Worked out angle of 7 [deg.] for comp levers to equalize loads." ... "Drove A-3 and A-4 north of Rochester for handling. A-4 excellent. Ft [front] end loose on A-3. Loose tie rod ends found."

Later notations identified the A-4 as follows: 11/15/54: "...A-4 (endurance car)." On 11/17/54: "- changed springs + arms on 5582-3 (25,000 mi test car)." Note that the VINs are different.


Regards--

Mark