Re: Senior & Junior

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2007/12/9 23:08:08

I'll take a shot at this, others may have different opinions in a few cases. The division between Junior and Senior really began in 1935 when, as a matter of economic survival in the aftermath of the depression, Packard decided to continue to produce for the luxury market, but also introduce lower-priced cars. Up until 1935 Packard competed only in the luxury (high price) class, and all those Packards are considered Seniors. From 1935 thru 1947, you could apply the selections of the Classic Car Club of America and say that those designated as bona fide Classics are seniors, and the others are not. Thus, from 1t's introduction in 1935 the 120 model and the later 110 model (called the Six and Eight in 1938) were developed as volume cars to compete in the middle or upper-middle price range and are Juniors unless in rare cases they are fitted with meritorious custom coachwork. A hybrid considered a Classic but a close call is the 1939 Super 8, which is really a 120 body with a Senior engine and nicer interior trim. The 1941-42 models 160 and 180 are seniors (and Classics), the 110 and 120 remain as juniors. For the Clipper series and thru 1950, those models with the 356 cubic inch engine are Seniors, this includes the Super Clipper and the Custom Super Clipper thru 1947, and the Custom 8 from 1948 thru 1950. Another close call would be the 1950 Super DeLuxe. Beginning in 1951 and thru 1954 those models with the 9-main bearing engines, either 327 or 359 are considered Seniors. Another way to view the 53 -56 models is that those with the Clipper designation are Juniors, and those with the Packard designation are considered Seniors. One could argue either way about the 1954 Cavalier which has a senior wheelbase and body shell, but a junior (5 main bearing engine) and more pedestrian interior trimming.