Re: '57 Packard What-If based on Turnpike Cruiser

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2011/8/16 22:40:04

Mahoning63,

Just look at how Rolls-Roycy you're getting in the later photos! Could've really scooped the RR look that was to come.

I LIKE the single headlight version with the Clipper grill. It just is really crying out for a little more on the front of the hood... even "PACKARD" lettering similar to the '55 Seniors, but smaller and more elongated. Also, go for the circle V in the middler of the grill. I think they were onto something when the stylists (Nance, I think, concurred) that this could have been a long-term emblem like the Mercedes star. I liked the '55 style better than '56 . The less elongated "V" that stayed more within the circle was classier, IMO, and easier to place in locations like C pillars, etc.

But every time I look at your quad-headlight Clipper, I think you've got the Answer for Packard in '57. Hell, even Chevy was still selling the Shoebox in '57, carrying over from the past 2+ years (really no chassis changes from the early '50s--just like Packard, and NO new suspension like Packard could boast.).

I keep sayin', hold off a year, be realistic, and introduce the "Big New Packard" in '58.

BTW, rectangular turn signals instead of the grill under the single headlights would flesh out the front end a bit on that version. Also, the hood could have a little more slope rather than the upright "brow," although it looks pretty sophisticated the way it is.

Sooner or later, one of these designs is just going to have to be rendered in 3D, and then it's off to the sheet metal stampers.