Re: SP merger

Posted by Mahoning63 On 2015/4/11 14:39:15

"The first references to the V8 were in August 1950 on the progress made, that both 269 and 309 CID units were under development. ... Quite a conundrum: more sales were needed to finance the V8 but present sales were being hampered by external restrictions and the very lack of a V8 in the first place."

Steve - thanks for sharing, is incredibly illuminating and the conundrum that you state speaks directly to business fundamentals no matter the era. Some see challenges as opportunities, others with indifference or fear. Your nicely put slippery stone comment about Romney points to the upside potential.

Why didn't Packard do something with its powertrains for the all-new 1951's, if only conversion of its straight eights to OHVs? Would have involved minimal tear-up to its engine line. AMC did this with its Rambler Six for 1956 and saw a 20% increase in power. Similar increase seen with Studebaker's Six conversion for 1962. Packard and Hudson seemed to have a hang up with OHVs.

And why did Packard set the engine size so low... 269 and 309 displacements? More evidence that the company had no interest in making a proper Senior to take on the 60 Special.