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Those that have a subscription or can pick up or borrow the December 2010 issue of Collectible Automobile will almost certainly enjoy a fine article titled "Fading from View: Packard's Senior Eights of 1937-1942". Author Richard Langworth, well known in Packard circles as well as an author of books on Kaiser-Frazer and Chevrolet, was also long-time editor of PAC's The Packard Cormorant. For those not familiar with the name, Richard is a very highly respected historian and author of automobile history.

I hope they didn't illustrate with another 1941 180 convertible coupe? !!!! Like they did several years ago.

There are a number of those bogus cars around, several based on the 160 and at least one on the 120. But the wise folks know how to tell an upgraded fake when they see it. Those who know the fine details don't like to advertise them as it just encourages more phoney cars. And Dick's article did have some commendable photography.

Hi

What an apt title "Fading From View: Packard's Senior Eights of 1937-1942"......fading from public view is exactly what happened. By 1941, all Senior models acounted for just 6% of the total production.

Perception is reality, and a prestige reputation is a fragile thing. When the public sees over 90% of the cars you produce as generally equal to other medium priced cars, well, there goes your luxury car prestige reputation, drowning in a sea of medium price cars.

Steve

Agreed, Steve. There was nothing really new in the article but Dick just has such a wonderful way with words and telling a story. He was on tour with us last year on PAC's Henry Joy Tour and I got to spend some time with him, such a treat.

Langworth is one of our most preeminent automotive historians; I'm so glad to know he's still with us and still writing, he's done authoritative work with AQ, and on subjects as diverse as Triumph, with Graham Robson, Olds and Chrysler and his yeoman work on Packard. Just a great auto writer, as good as it gets. I'd love to meet the man.

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After reading this post I realized how important it is for writers such as Mr. Langworth to retell stories such as this one. While the details may be "old hat" to some, other, younger participants in the hobby will be hearing these stories for the first time. In a hobby that's been doing a lot of hand-wringing lately about shrinking interest among youngsters, passing on the love of these cars to the next generation by repeating these stories is invaluable.

As a relative youngster (I hope...) of age 33, I look forward to receiving each issue of Collectible Automobile in the mail. Publications such as CA as well as the many knowledgeable folks on this site have really helped both expand and deepen my knowledge of Packards and the automobile in general.