Re: The Cormorant and Goddess of Speed Article

Posted by Quill On 2009/2/13 13:21:13

I appreciate John's help in isolating some additional facts concerning the statements made in my article. I especially appreciate the information on the Adonis use, as I remember being somewhat disbelieving of the notion that a hood ornament of that obvious cost in development, should have been used for only one year. But what research I was able to employ at the time revealed no use outside that one year, so I questioningly qualified my statement as, "apparently" used for only the one year. I do wish John would quote his sources a bit more thoroughly, as this would be appreciated even more than his already helpful remarks.

And as for the name of the hood ornament that has caused so much furor for the marque, it certainly is within the rights and privileges of any and all car companies, to redesign the shape of one bird, better matching a second species, and call it by the name of the former if they so choose. But I certainly agree with Clipper47 on the relative beauty of the two species. A true representation of a pelican sitting on that hood would have been perhaps more of a laughing stock than a compliment to the proud and worthy automaker. (When you mentioned the penguin, Clipper47, I pictured a miniature Danny DeVito in costume, standing out on the hood.)

And again I wish John would be so kind as to quote his sources, as he states that, "By 1953 everyone at Packard had finally agreed that indeed that it was a PELICAN." I can only respond that original intentions aside, the finished product spoke quite loudly for itself. And the name that it shouted out through its unqualified grace and elegance, was not "pelican." Granted, we could all get together in some pub and commit to calling a shaggy mountain goat a racehorse, but that just wouldn't make it so, now would it?

As for the grill shape, I did find a representation of the French make with a similar shape, but only after the article was originally published. What I did not know was the very interesting bit about the employment status of Charles Schmidt, having worked for both companies at the time of the apparent borrowing of the grill shape. That is quite interesting, and I do appreciate that information, John. Really. No, really. A source citation would again be appreciated, though.

And as for my credentials, I have had personal hands-on knowledge of four Packards, including a '52, a '48, a '37 and a 1918 Twin Six. What I really expected on this message board, was a criticism of my remark about the trailing off of overall quality over the years. That response usually comes from owners of late model Packards, who perhaps have less knowledge of those earlier versions, which became the ultimate statement for quality workmanship and elegance, as the best of the best. They truly were just that, exhibiting a level of workmanship the world will never see again.