Re: Packard Seniors 1940-56

Posted by 58L8134 On 2015/5/6 18:32:12

Hi Paul

As definition, what constituted a senior line by 1950 had pretty much distilled down to a longer wheelbase, better trimmed and equipped version of the standard six passenger sedan plus lwb eight passenger sedan and limousine. Later, the premium convertible and hardtop with unique styling joined the club. The consistent cash cow was definitely the first listed, then the latter two, the LWB models great for prestige. Not even a special engine was required. All this was within Packard's ability, if only leadership had the drive to compete for their share.

"..........product planning choices - fully within Packard's control that were the cause."

Let credit fall where credit is do, the abdication of true senior models was made by Christopher's successors. As of the 1951 models, the only "Senior" left was the Patrician 400 sedan opposing only the Series 62 sedan. A 400-level hardtop coupe was discussed during 24th Series product planning but tabled. Apparently the then current resounding success of the Coupe de Ville wasn't enough motivation to try for a piece of that market until 1954. How glaringly poorly the Patrician fared versus 62 sedan isn't so much a surprise given Cadillac's steamroller sales momentum. What is is how poorly is sold versus the rejuvenated Chrysler Imperial, coming from near zero two year prior, saddled with stodgy styling but packing the Hemi V8 that was the talk of the industry. Some of that is attributable to better market coverage, some to the Chrysler loyalist ready to step up. But, given the excitement surrounding the Hemi and V8's in general, a good share might well have been directly motivated by exactly that.

The last point at which a V8 might have turned the tide toward or at least stemmed the ebb from Packard was the 1953 model year; by 1955 it was just EGB finally catching up. While the availability of a V8 may not have been a great inducement; but the lack thereof was one more reason not to buy a Packard. Straight eights now had the stigma of 'old-fashioned'. Pontiac and Buick could get away with fielding one a bit longer as lower-middle models, carried by their sales momentum. Packard couldn't. Packard only had to worry about the new Buick Super with its detuned nailhead, Specials being below the cheapest Clippers. 1953 looked fine relative to Clipper's competitors, the telling result would be next year when the thoroughly modern Olds 98 and Buick Century made choosing the Clipper over those a very difficult decision. The new Roadmaster, 62, 60 Special and Coupe de Ville were now posed to push Packard to the brink.

The specs sound perfect, bring on the variations!

Steve