Re: Packard & Hudson proximity

Posted by Phil53 On 2013/2/16 8:42:23

A couple more what ifs. It is amazing to me that the 55's turned out as good as they did. I doubt any of the Big 3 could have pulled off what Packard did in 55 with as good a result. The new V8, heavily redesigned body, totally new suspension system, redesigned transmission, and then trying to assemble all these new systems in a new plant. There is no way quality wouldn't suffer under these conditions. Then there is the delay in introduction. I think had Packard continued to manufacture its own bodies after the war, they wouldn't have been forced into the Connor Plant, which caused the delay in production and the quality problems. With a much earlier introduction and better quality, I think the 55's would have sold much better and possibly even earned a profit. I think with better quality and the perception of a company that was viable, the 56's would have even sold in decent numbers. How far they could have gone from there is anyone's guess.
The speculation about Hudson is interesting. Instead of merger, what if the companies entered into a joint venture to build a body plant that could produce bodies for both companies? With the close proximity and the ability to spread the hugh cost of stamping and assembly over the combined production of the two companies, it might have helped both companies to hang on a little longer.