Re: How come Packard didn't make an OHV straight 8?

Posted by Peter Packard On 2008/6/20 0:30:27

G'day all, I consider that I should explain where I am coming from with my comments on the side vale and 6 V issues. On the side valve issue it was simply a public perception here in Australia at least that OHV or OHC must be better engines because they were more complex and breathed more freely. Similarly, on the 6V issue, In Australia in the Twenties, Thirties and Forties we had very severe tarrifs on vehicles which did not come from Commonwealth countries, such as Canada and England. Most of the vehicles in Australia were English and 12V. Our first Holden cars were 6V between 1948 and 1956. There was again a public perception that the average 6V vehicle was subject to very slow engine cranking and poor lighting. Hence the ads to convince people to fit 8V systems to VW's and older 6V cars. I would like to start a new forum on the topic of the reasons why manufacturers ( Packard especially) went for 6V initially and the reasons for going to 12V systems. Best regards, Peter Toet