Re: We haven't had a good "What If?" for a while, so.....

Posted by HH56 On 2012/3/23 18:54:53

Without a complete management change, I doubt there would have been any massive shift. Packard styling would still have been very conservative with incremental changes only. The then conservative management probably would not have had the desire to go the direction (or spend the money needed) as some of the GM offerings. That would probably have stifled Earl's creativity or at least his flair for some things. After Nance and team came along well, who knows. Earl's career was almost at the end and they still would have had the image to overcome.

One of the Packard advertising pitches in Earl's heyday was Packard styling evolved and not just change for the sake of change. "You can buy a new Packard today and not be afraid it will be out of style next year." That pretty much seemed to be the mantra.

EDIT. I like Walker but was never a fan of the early 50's Fords. Mid decade and later ones were much better. Engle would have been a good choice too. A slab sided Packard might be an interesting idea. I rather like the mid 60's Chrysler products. Probably too late in the game for him though.