Re: Clipper registrations in '55 and '56

Posted by HH56 On 2024/6/21 14:15:32

The subject is briefly touched upon in the Kimes edited Auto Quarterly book at the start of chapter 30 written by Hamlin and Heinmuller entitled The House Falls. The way I read it would seem to indicate the Clipper separation started because of varied ways sales was thinking about how to best market Packards without the Clipper name dragging the brand down. Some miscommunication or complete lack thereof between the heads of the concerned departments as to whether it was actually a directive to do a separation then came along. Apparently some thought it was a directive and done deal so started the process but others hadn't been consulted at all and some that knew about the discussion were having second thoughts. Nance apparently got wind it was happening when one of the companies that keeps track of car production reported it as a given fact and then after talking to key people and some dealer feedback he made the decision to bring back the Packard script and keep it all as a single brand.

In another book (I cannot remember which one right now) it was reported that some state DMVs were resisting registering as Clippers because of a lack of documentation or official notice that apparently mfgs must file with their bureaucracy in advance of that kind of change. As to whether any cars actually were registered as Clippers I don't remember any of the books confirming this.