Re: Senior & Junior

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2007/12/16 10:06:24

Jim, Some Packard enthusiasts hold the view the "real" "senior" Packards (except for the venerable "Twelve")died after 1936 when the old 384" engine was discontinued and the 320" engine appeared in the 1937 Super Eights! The 1939 Super Eight ushered in the era of modern styling and the use of up to date design and also production methods which resulted in a lower costs making the car available to more buyers. With the introduction of the 356" engine in 1940 Packard once again was the car to beat in performance as well as style. I own a 1947 Super Clipper which is also recognized as a " Full Classic" by the CCCA. I know that some purists also disagree with that assessment. The body was manufactured for Packard by Briggs. Most of the body parts are interchangeable with the "junior" cars. In fact other than the 7" of extra hood length it it almost identical to the Six. Mechanically and cosmetically there are differences but it is not a "senior" car in the sense that the pre 1939's were but still it is a "Full Classic" and for the same good reasons as is your '39.