Here's an attempt. Grill is raised and slanted back a few degrees, following the contour of the hood. No issues with the turn signal lights, simply moved them from the upper to the lower bumper. Again, my sincere thanks to the owners of both the car and image that this is based on.

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Eric - I could give it a try over the next few days. Are you thinking it should be tall like my Clipper version?

Paul

Hey, I've learned to take my own sense of style with a full container of salt! Not that we want to form the dreaded "committee" as we muse over a new Clipper design, but lots of input from passionate people is a good thing.

I agree with the comments championing the clean approach. That's not to say a more modern approach couldn't have worked for the original Clipper along the lines of the 40 Buick, 41 Cadillac or even the 42 Lincoln. So long as it was clean, classy and expensive looking.

As to the parking lights, there are probably lots of places they could be placed. I tried a few then went with the same location that the square lights were located.

The running boards are another matter and it's hard to say how good or bad a Clipper would look without them because no such car exists and images only get you so far. I would like to see something in the flesh because I think there's a chance it might look very good. In fact, I would like to see the front pontoons truncated so as NOT to flow into the body sides. Why? Because the Clipper is built like my father... stalky. Getting rid of the RBs and letting the body sides curve in might give the car a trimmer, more athletic look. Plus it would make for a nice fluted coke bottle shape. Here's an example of what I mean. Compare with actual Clipper. Includes a vertical grill (raked back a few inches), stone guards and fender skirts. Think of it as a wide Darrin Victoria with 4 doors and a roof.

Paul

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HH56 - do you mean something along the lines of this quick & dirty photo chop? Do you envision horizontal slats in the grill rather than vertical? Keep the running boards?

Paul

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Gentlemen - your positive response is much appreciated. And thanks again for permitting the use of your photo, JW.

Doing a vehicle build would put the design team right back there in 1940, a pretty cool prospect. Lots of details would need to be worked out but if done right the result could be both stunning and a worthy addition to the Packard story.

This photo-altered image might help illustrate what a Clipper might have looked like had the company chosen to continue the traditional grill theme. Have also eliminated the built-in running boards. The result is indeed like RR/Bentley/Jaguar of the 50s. To the owner of the maroon '47 Clipper, please accept my sincere thanks in using your photo.

In retrospect I think Packard had a good opportunity to better differentiate the Seniors from the Juniors during those Clipper years. In addition to the obvious wheelbase difference, here are some ideas:

1) Seniors could have used traditional upright grill while Juniors used Clipper design theme.

2) Seniors could have used notchback styling of Clipper sedan exclusively while Juniors used fastback style only (a popular style in the low to mid-priced field during that era). See image of Junior 4-door fastback.

3) Seniors could have used non-Clipper nomenclature such as One Seventy, slotting the new $2200 sport sedan between the existing One Sixty and One Eighty cars in price. Only the Juniors would have used the Clipper name.

4) Seniors could have eventually included a coupe and convertible, and perhaps a LWB Formal Sedan by adding a section to the sedan. Images show the body styles. Try to envision with upright grill and no running boards. Perhaps the Juniors could have retained the built-in running boards for further differentiation.

Paul West

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Couldn't find pics or article on the net so had to order a back issue. Applaud Thom Taylor for his efforts but agree with John... there's opportunity for improvement. The Auto Design schools should make this a student project, could produce some interesting ideas.

Article on U.S. bidder for Volvo. Looks like they just popped onto the scene recently:

http://www.reuters.com/article/mnaNewsConsumerGoodsAndRetail/idUSLL3084520091121

Can envision a Packard touring sedan on a 125" wheelbase with flowing lines, big tires and a long hood. No V12, more like an efficient turbo direct injection V8 driving the real wheels and two small electric motors inboard of the front wheels for extra traction and regen braking. Aluminum body for low weight. Dual trunk/hatch for a defined trunk with extra utility. A bit more ground clearance and height than today's sedans but no trucky SUV design cues. Prominent grill like today's 300C but pure Packard and no cheap stampings. Majestic road presence in a cool, thoroughly modern package.

I like Thom Taylor's suggestion for a low sporting roadster with the engine behind driver. Not sure about the straight 8. Turbo direction injection straight 6 would be enough, mounted transversely and behind rather than in front of the rear axle to make room for small rear seats. Maybe two electric motors up front like the big sedan. Coupe version of roadster with big gull wing doors would be a nice compliment.

That would be pretty much wrap it up for the Seniors. The Juniors would deliver the volume, fuel economy offset and wider market coverage. Brand name would not be Packard or Clipper, maybe Volvo. They are up for sale and I hear a group of Americans might be interested. An independent Volvo would do well to have a brand above them, possibly another below.

Old thread but recently read the Collectible Automobile issue (Oct 2009) and am curious what folks think a successful 2010 Packard line-up might look like. And who would it compete with? Rolls? Bentley? M-B & BMW? Lexus & Cadillac? Toyota too? The gentleman who wrote the article proposed:

? Packard 4 door sedan V12
? Packard 4 door sedan LWB V12
? Packard 2 door convertible V12
? Packard 2 door roadster Inline 8 (transverse mid-engine, trans between cyl 4 & 5 like early 90s Ford Contour show car)
? Clipper 4 door sedan Inline 8 (same transverse layout as roadster but front mounted)
? 5 door Crossover Utility Vehicle

Thanks Steve. If you want to see some of my efforts, would be happy to show you. Am reluctant to post publicly because they are photo alts of images from the net and I need to respect the owners of the cars.