Talk about skills! Your graphic and styling talents are amazing. I must commission you to do the final drawings for my article. The Packard is elegant...the Studebaker, absolutely stunning with the four-door hardtop treatment! Unfortunately, I have not really labored on my drawings. As line drawings, they do not scan well. Your posting makes me realize that I've got some work to do! Thanks so much for sharing your amazine prototypes. I have a feeling we both wanted to go to the Art Center College of Design in California and then join Dick Teague at Packard. My parents wouldn't hear of it. I used to have to stay after school at Moultrie High for drawing cars in class! See the "1970 Packard" I designed for an art class at the University of Georgia in the last edition of "The Packard Cormorant." Obviously, I was thinking Buick Electra at the time.

Great idea. My article was of no interest to the SDC "Turning Wheels", so I am revising it slightly and sending it to Stuart Blond of the fine publication "The Comorant." I would have done that in the first place, but he has been so good about including my work, that I thought it might be a bit of an overload. Hopefully he will find it worthy, so stay tuned.

Thanks so much for your kind response, and I certainly agree with all your suggestions! Too bad we weren't in the studio with S-P's Duncan McRae in that pivotal time. I think, like you, that Packard could have been saved. Look for an article I am doing about this which discusses these ideas and the concept that Packard should have also dipped into the Mercedes alliance to a greater degree since the concepts of superb engineering, precision detailing, etc. were long-time trademarks of both companies.

It was a great turn out for Packard enthusiasts at our second annual Packards in Palmetto show! It's a show that recognizes all members of the Packard, Studebaker, and S-P Family. In these times of dwindling memberships, a lack of interest by our young glued to I-Phones, and greater challenges in just getting to meets in metropolitan areas, we hope our gathering will continue for many years. Thanks to all Packard and S-P owners who made it possible, and to the general public who proved again that "asking the man who owns one" is a great way to spend a Saturday!

John McCall and Mitch Parker

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Sorry,

I had you confused with another Caribbean owner! I would like to suggest that you look at the E-Bay listing I currently have for a treasure-trove of NOS and used 1956 Caribbean (and other) parts.

Scott,

You said "56 Caribbean." Did you mean 1955 as you indicated to me earlier?

I can tell you who NOT TO USE! The mechanic we were referred to by a well-meaning Packard owner kept our 1956 Patrician for almost two years, and probably waited until four days before we gave him an ultimate deadline to do mediocre work on the transmission, exhaust, brakes, and carb. We told him to do anything he saw that was needed. He did not even bother to change the oil or tune the car--both of which were badly needed. We ended up taking the car home on a trailer, not trusting what he had done!

This is a dire problem with present and future Packard owners. A local mechanic here turned his nose up when asked about a simple oil change and tune-up with me providing all the parts! His response was, "Get with me the first of the week." That actually meant "Hell no!"

I was spoiled for decades, relying on my good friend Donald Taccone to work on my 55-56's. Not only was he an expert and trusted mechanic, Donald was passionate about 1956 Packards (and anything "Packard"). He took a well-deserved retirement and that should have been a signal for us to get out of the "Packard Business." We will soldier on as best we can, and we wish you well. It is a tough time for the collector hobby unless you drive Chrysler muscle cars, Fords, or "Chivrolaze!"

Packard folk, excuse me for sounding a bit elitist, have always been a very different culture, just as the customer base was for 59 years of Packard's presence in the marketplace. Now, our biggest problem is how to bring young people into our passionate hobby. Unfortunately, the present culture of the young doesn't often embrace the elegance, tribute to American workmanship, ingenuity, integrity, and art that was Packard.

Gentlemen...if you are restoring a 1956 Caribbean hardtop or convertible and/or a 1956 Clipper, I would like to help. I just have too many auto projects "in the fire" to proceed with my Esquire conversion, thus a host of NOS and good used parts are posted on E-Bay as I write this with a No Reserve bid starting at $500.00. The damaged 56 Caribbean hood or the NOS hood louvres are worth that as you know, not to mention brand new reproduction door sills! Items must be picked up here in Palmetto, GA (very close to the Atlanta, GA airport).

See the E-Bay listing for more details. I hope that I can help supply some needed parts for a restoration at a reasonable price! The listing is only for three days, so if you or a friend have a want list...here is "The Packard Caribbean Motherload!" There is a host of Clipper parts as well, some of them NOS. I don't even have everything pictured that goes with this collection.

Never got a copy of your publication featuring my 1958 Packard "Starlight Caribbean." Did you use it?

Hello Packard V-8 Enthusiasts,

We hope the attachment will whet your appetite for the many Packards from 1955 on which will be at the second-annual Packards in Palmetto Show, March 25! Hope yours will be among them, or just come to see these magnificent examples.

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