Re: Had They Merged

Posted by 58L8134 On 2009/1/17 9:55:39

Hi

The Collectible Automobile article "Personal Profile of John Conde" explained in detail the meager of Nash with Packard, shortly including Hudson. After considering the results, the following is my email letter to Editor Biel.

RE: "Planning a Merger: The Packard-Nash Connection"

Dear Editor Biel

This sidebar was the first time I've read the details of a merger that has been mentioned by other sources. The complete Personality Profile is a fine piece with his insider insights.

As one of those who analyzes possible scenarios for ways that Packard could have survived, this option did not hold long term promise. The detailed descriptions of the Clippers/Statesmans and Patrician/Ambassadors can be seen as simply Packard models substituted for the Wasp/Statesman and Hornet/Ambassadors the market received in '55-'57. A good indication of the resulting market acceptance of the Nash-bodies Packards can be seen in Hudson sales for it's last three years.

The shortness of time throughout '54 would preclude creating appropriate-sized '55 cars with Packard specific styling. The idea of a 114" wheelbased Nash-bodied Clipper powered with a Ambassador SIX is more cuddling than what came later from South Bend. As for the Patrician, does one built on an Ambassador 121" wheelbase with Packard V-8 engine and transmission, but without the innovation of Torsion-Level suspension sound like a formula for a Packard to truly compete in the luxury market? I shutter to think of the '56-'57 Packard styling if it had been completed with the aesthetics of the '56-'57 Hudsons!

The only real salvation for Packard was the financing to build the all-new cars they had designed and engineered for 1957; built in their own Detriot facilities. Details of the program point to a product line as revolutionary as the '57 Chrysler Forward Look cars. Finally, both Packard and Studebaker would have been able to market cars that were truly competitive with the Big Three. When the financing was turned down, that was the signing of Packard's death certificate immediately. And ultimately for Studebaker, as they were condemned to rework poorly accepted cars repeatedly in an effort to compete.

Steve