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

Posted by Mahoning63 On 2011/8/18 11:58:45

Agreed on the styling. Didn't bother trying to alter the photo on this car but let's assume that Packard would go as far as retooling all outer panels, including the front door, if it felt the effort was necessary. One area I think could have been improved on was the greenhouse, which looks a bit too tall and upright just like they did on the Ford/Mercs. Since Packard would have needed to tool a new roof anyway, unlike the earlier Turnpike Cruiser, this might have been a good opportunity to really make a dramatic change - a lower roof with new windshield and a more private backlight than the Ford/Merc and, if the borrowed door inner stampings would allow, curved side glass for more tumble home. THAT would have been one heck of a car. And let's assume the Turnpike Cruiser Packard was getting long in the tooth by decades end. Maybe 1960 was the year to introduce this new Packard, not 1961. Maybe in January 1960 at the New York Auto Show. Fresh new style for a new decade.

I agree the 25% higher pricing would have meant low volumes, just can't see how Ford would have ever allowed pricing any closer to Lincoln. The Lincoln planners would have thrown up their hands and resigned. This is why I think it might have been necessary to bring Studebaker production to Conner, or at least modify the Studebaker lines to accept large Packards. Conner probably would not have been profitable on just 5-10K Packards per year.

Packard would have been very lean in these years, barely hanging on. From 1957 well into the Sixties maybe just a single model, a sporty 4 door hardtop. Maybe a 4-door convertible too although Lincoln planners might have said no. The type of 4-door Packard being sold would have been very exclusive in design compared to its competitors, similar to what the 63 Riviera was in the 2-door market. And quality would have needed to set the industry standard. No vinyl anywhere, not a stitch. Highest quality cloths and leathers, genuine wood trim laid down sparingly and stylishly. And a 5-passenger option born of the Predictor with bucket seats and a center console.