Re: Senior & Junior

Posted by Jim On 2007/12/16 16:30:36

I understand the mentality of some believing there were no senior 8's after the 384 just like Twin 6 guys saying a Packard 12 isn't as prestigious. Where I am totally confused is how the 39 Super 8 is this outcast step child, because of points about sharing body parts with a 120, yet never a disparaging word about a 40 which diluted into levels ranging from 120, 160 to 180 and also shared the exact sake parts in common. With different levels of option between the 160 and 180, yet both recognized as a senior, the line between junior and senior are even more blurred. Don't get me wrong, I realize there will always be a pecking order in any product line a manufacturer offered. I am just amazed how Packard made only one pre-war senior, that was not a real senior car! The looks of the 40 are great, but exactly the same as their junior counterpart. I totally understand the post war banter about senior, not senior, and so on. The company entered a different market, and built cars accordingly (Great cars at that!).

It is what it is. I have read numerous snide posts on AAHC board about the 39 Super, and ran across the commentary posted here about a 39 being ?a tough call? on its senior status and finally figured I would throw my two cents in. For what it costs to do a 39 Super 8 and the distaste the majority of Packard aficionados voice for them it's a wonder they are all not scrapped and forgotten about.

I realize the seeds are sewn for the outcast 39 Super 8 and the car will never be recognized for what it is. I suppose the only hope for owning a real Super 8 (recognized by the not so secret society of Packard aficionados) is to sell the 39 Super 8 that has some things in common with the junior counterpart, and classic Packard looks, and buy the much better 40 160 or 180 that has the exact same things in common with its junior counterpart, with the not so secret Packard society seal of approval.

I guess this is no different than the 54 ford guys feeling so outcast, they formed a 54 ford club. Maybe we 39 Super 8 guys are lucky we get to play with the big boys.

With all that said, good conversation! Someone that owns one finally spoke up. We all like the automobiles we collect, so what the heck, this gives us something to talk about.