Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Thank you. It is a completely stock Executive hardtop from California (sometimes called "Maja The Bee" - guess why ). The hood is correct for the model but, as hood ornaments are bot street legal in my home country, has instead a cover. Of course, I still have the figure.

I think, the medallion is stock, too?

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G'day Michael,

Interesting that hood ornaments are not legal in Switzerland. Here in Australia they are are no longer permitted on new cars and it's been this way for many years for reasons of pedestrian safety. Cars that came originally equipped with hood ornaments are permitted to continue to use them, a so called grandfather clause in the regulations. But going back to pedestrian safety, I believe that a hood ornament is a rather minor worry if you take on a car as a pedestrian anyway!

I learn so much here! It's a great big world out there.

The Executive hardtop is one of my favorite V8 Packard models. I think they really got it right with that one, just the right amount of flash and sportiness, the best looking front (except possibly for the '55 Seniors--I'm torn--and a more understated, stylish back, with the coveted fish-mouth Clipper tail lights. And you could get 'em with a 374!(if you special ordered from the factory) The best power-to-weight ratio of any V8 Packard, I believe, would be the result.

I saw a very nice 4-door Exec over on Craig's List for a decent price, but there were... 4 doors.

Here's one of the ultimate pedestrian-nightmare hood ornaments.

(What kinda car is it? This time I won't give it away with the image title... it's a '51, though, I'll tell you that much.)

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51 Kaiser -

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Very, very close, but no ceegar. The ornament might have been used on some Kaiser automobiles, but I think it was unique to the vehicle in your car photo... which is not a Kaiser.

(Hint) Enlarge the pic and look very closely at the letter in the upper lh corner of the square with the coat of arms in it.

After enlarging the pic and not seeing a coat of arms anywhere, I'm gonna say Frazer or Henry J. BTW Carl, the pic of the Kaiser convertible is not a Kaiser, it's a Frazer.

I don't see a coat of arms either but guessing Olds as first choice although Dodge had some pretty wicked ones too.

It's definitely a Kaiser product. If we've established that it's not a Kaiser, I never saw nor heard of a Henry J convertible - so it must be a Frazer.

Can't get a great view from the photo, but looks like a Frazer convertible sedan of which they build precious few.

What would I know? I was born during the Johnson administration. I was going based on the shape of where the hood meets the grill, with the bump up in the middle, the shape of the ornament. The yellow car has similar characteristics.

History of Kaiser - Frazer