Re: What SINGLE factor MOST contributed to the demise of Packard?

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2013/10/26 11:45:38

For your amusement here is a comparison of Packard and its rivals in 1954, because I happen to have a chart in a 1954 Science and Mechanics magazine.

Packard Clipper $2544 122"wb, 150HP straight eight.

Someone in the market for a car in that price bracket could also look at -

Buick Super $2466 127"wb 177HP V8

Chrysler Windsor Deluxe $2350 125.5'wb 116HP 6

DeSoto Firedome $2453 125.5"wb 170HP V8

Hudson Super Wasp $2465 120"wb 140HP 6

Nash Ambassador Super $2412 121"wb 130HP 6

Oldsmobile 98 $2551 126"wb 185HP V8

Studebaker Land Cruiser $2438 120.5"wb 120HP V8

Moving up to the next rung in the Packard ladder -

Clipper Deluxe $2695 122"wb 165HP 8

Compares to -

Hudson Hornet $2768 123.8" wb 160HP 6


Packard Cavalier $3344 127"wb 185HP 8

Compares to -

Buick Roadmaster $2971 127"wb 200HP V8

Chrysler New Yorker $2965 125.5"wb 195HP V8
New Yorker Deluxe $3155 125.5"wb 235HP V8

Lincoln Cosmopolitan $3226 123"wb 205HP V8
Capri $3402 123"wb 205HP V8


Packard Patrician $3890 127"wb 212HP 8

Packard Pacific Hardtop $3827 122"wb 185HP 8

Packard convertible $3935 122"wb 185HP

Cadillac Series 62 $3932 129"wb 230HP V8

Cadillac Series 60 $4683 133"wb 230Hp V8

Chrysler Imperial $3925 133.5"wb 235HP V8


Packard Caribbean $6100 122"wb 185HP 8

Cadillac Eldorado $4738 129"wb 230HP V8


Packard Custom (LWB limo) $6900 149"wb 212HP 8

Cadillac Series 75 (LWB limo) $5874 149.8"wb 230HP V8

Chrysler Imperial Crown (LWB limo) $6406 145.5"wb 235HP V8

All cars base model 4 door sedans, no extras. Except where otherwise noted.

As you can see Packard had some strong competition that year, most comparable cars selling for a few bucks less than Packard. And when you look at the out and out luxury class,Packard's selection is rather thin.