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

Posted by LINC400 On 2009/8/4 22:46:28

If the Plymouth Plainsman had the Predictor rear window in 1956, well so did the Predictor, and going the correct direction with the retracting rear window. Also the Packard Balboa had that rear window in 1953. So I don't see how it could be copied from Plymouth the same year the Predictor was out.

Also the 1958 Lincolns were supposed to be based on the Lincoln LaTosca concept car, however, if you look at a 1958 Lincoln, you can see influences from both the LaTosca and the Predictor in it. While the basic design for the 1958 Lincoln would have been well underway by the time any Packard employees got there, there still would have been time for adding touches like the Predictor roof and other cues here and there.

And while Packard may have dropped their six cylinder, Cadillac never even had one in the 1930's or 40's, and even LaSalle didn't either. And Packard did not have a V-8 when that was a very important buzzword in the late 1940's and early 1950's. Especially since you could even get one in a low price Ford.

And again, while Chrysler had unit body construction for Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler, Imperial remained body on frame from 1957-1966. They specifically insisted on body on frame for the Imperial to provide more structural integrity and a better ride for their premium car.