Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

There is an interesting article about the Caribbeans in the Summer issue of the Hagerty Classic Cars magazine: "The Last Great Packard - The Packard Caribbean" by Michael Lamm. The article talks about the competition between Henney and Mitchell-Bentley for the contract to do the retrofitting to the first Caribbeans, With M-B winning the contract. In discussing the 1955-56 models the author says that the front end styling was done by an outside firm, Sundberg-Ferar while Dick Teague's in-house team did the rest of the car. I was always of the understanding that Teague and his team did the whole styling exercise for the 1955 Clippers and Packards. Is the Sundberg-Ferar statement correct?

(o{}o)

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John, that would be new to me too. BTW Sundberg-Ferar survived.

I believe the Sundberg-Ferar connection was mentioned in another thread. Don't remember if it was here or AACA. Believe some of the more knowledgeable historians agreed with their contribution -- although I was under the impression from that discussion they did more than just the front end for 55.

Memory fades, but the way I remember the thread was S-F was consulted and with general desired guidelines or limitations given, produced a design. Teague et all did some refining of their original design and of course the famous Easter weekend taillights. Teague and Packard styling then did the 56 facelift.

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=>This is true.

Hell yes it's true and I have living proof. For the last couple of Wednesdays I've been meeting with MaryEllen (Green) Dohrs for coffee and she is THE contract employee hired by Dick Teague from Sundberg-Ferar to design the interior seats of the 1955 Caribbean and 400.

I am scanning her documents now in preparation for her speaking engagement at the 2013 PAC National Meet on Monday at the PPG. And the stories she has to tell!!

I am sharing a few here now so as not to spoil the show for the attendee.

Just another reason to come the 2013 PAC National Meet - we will accept registrations right through the event.

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Thanks to all who provided clarifying posts. We live and we learn, and this site is all about information.

(o{}o)