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Data books were used to educate/inform those working at the dealerships I'm told.

And last evening while doing some reading and enjoying an adult beverage, I "rediscovered" pages 29 through 32 in my 1953 Packard data book.

After a quick chuckle and now some thoughts, I wonder how many Packard salesman back in the day really believed what Packard was putting forth in these publications?

On this particular book's rear cover the following statement is made, " This Data Book of Packard Facts was compiled in September, 1952 ..." .

Does anyone happen to know when Packard actually begin their development of what we know now as the Packard V8?

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No idea on the exact V8 start but believe it was most likely underway when that book was written.

Probably a case of if you don't have something that everyone wants, flaunt and misdirect around what you've got until you do have. Once you have it, then overnight your PR jumps into overdrive explaining why your new and most likely problem filled version is so much better than all the proven others. I worked for a company that wrote the book on that kind of PR BS.

Notice you posted several nice and clear pages of your 53 fact book. Don't believe there is one on site so any chance of scanning the rest and sending to Kev so he could post it.

I believe Packard was pounding that same drum about S8s vs. V8s from the '51 Fact Book all the way until the '54 Fact Book. Obviously in '55, a new drum was procured.

I remember watching Packard dealer training film strips my father would show us for family entertainment. These were in the '46-'47-'48 time frame, and they also talked about Packard's superior and simpler valve-in- block design when compared to the more complicated valve-in-head design. This can only have been targeting Buick.

I remember going with my father to the Kansas City Zone Office in 1949 for him to pick up a new Packard in their dealer drive away program. While there we visited a nearby Oldsmobile dealership. I remember him looking at that new Olds OHV V-8 and shaking his head and saying this is what Packard needs. I was only 9-years old at the time.

(o{}o)

JW,

How interesting and fortunate you are sir! To have had an actual peek into what was happening related to Packard as a bona fide eye-witness is awesome. I for one would hope that you consider writing some of your observations or even orally recording them for later anecdotal study. If so inclined, I'll buy the beverages should our paths one day cross. I'd love to hear some of your recollections.

Thanks for sharing the comment your father made.