Re: Santa brought a New Packard...

Posted by BH On 2013/12/25 10:10:05

Tootsietoy cars were just that - toys. They were of a fairly simple design - never intended to have the level of detail found on modern collectibles. I consider them to be something of a precursor to Matchbox cars - though much larger in scale.

The draft required to release the one piece body shell from its mold would likely account for the reverse slope of the front and rear end. I can't speak to their interpretation of molding/feature lines along the flanks, however.

While you may find examples of this particular model listed as 1956, I believe that is merely the toy's year of issue - NOT the subject vehicle's model year. Aside from a bit of artistic license, the front and rear styling elements are clearly based on a 55th Series Senior car. Since its executed as a foor-door sedan, it can only be a 1955 Patrician, then.

The trailer hitch detail is a proprietary thing - meant to accomodate die cast trailers that the same toymaker also produced. I've seen some of these Patricians paired up with an (orange) U-haul open trailer or a boat on a trailer. However, as I'm not a really collector of such things, I can't say whether they were originally shipped/sold together.