Re: Did the public think of Imperial as Packard's replacement?

Posted by 58L8134 On 2009/8/4 18:35:56

Hi

Mr Pushbutton: Thanks for the insight and inside information on Chrysler's body engineering and build quality problems in that era. I have seen both pre-'57 Packard and Chrysler bodies under restoration, yes, nearly identical......just hadn't had the light go on!

For years, I've noted the much higher survival rate of pre-'57 model Chrysler products but hadn't recognize the reason was directly caused by the Briggs buyout. Inexperience in engineering does show terribly in those cars.

As much as I like the '57-'58 Forward Look styling, all have lousy build quality, Imperial excepted somewhat. I had assumed the poor quality was the result of the extreme rushed development to make the '57 sales year, noted in other sources as a two year crash program rather than the normal at the time three years.

Insights: This is why I like this Forum so much, that and the civility of the participants!

Steve