Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I was told that Packard made (or had made) 41 V8's. I do not know which models. Is there any semblance of truth to this.

V12's up to 1939, not a V8 until 1955. Everything else was either a Straight 8 or 6 in various sizes.

Engine info can be found here:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/article/view.article.php?246

David

I see a lot of ads on you know where for cars with "straight V8s". I think this is the same class of people who tell me they had a '48 Buick with a flathead six.

The best thing to do with these types is to nod your head and smile, or maybe even better, run in the other direction

Regards


John Harley

G'day davidms,
to PackardInfo and and with the foregoing.

However if you have a '37 or a '41 Packard, with or without a V8, could you please include it in the Packard Owner's Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

Met a guy once who was adamant that his father had a 1918 Lincoln with a straight 12. No I'm not kidding and neither was he.

This reminds me of the post I made (and that I'm too lazy to seek out now) asking why, if Packard made a V-12, they did NOT make a V-8 earlier on.

Would this have made them even more competitive with such rival makes as Cadillac and Lincoln?

I've heard someone describe a dual ignition 6 as a 12 - "just count the spark plugs". I think the "1941 V8" comment came from someone who didn't think about what the "V" meant.

The 356 replaced the 12. I'd argue it was more than up to comparison with the Cadillac flathead V8 of that time.

The Packard conversion was from long stroke, flathead, inline 8 to short stroke, overhead valve V8. I think the Ultramatic work took up resources first.

Interesting question to ponder. I've read somewhere that Jesse Vincent toyed with making the first production Packard Twin Six an overhead valve design but balked because of noisy valve operation and what he ultimately deemed unnecessary complications. Had that decision gone differently, one can enjoy speculating what else might have been different.

Packard seemed more willing to make different configurations for their marine, aircraft and racing engines than for cars, where in addition to in-line 4s, 6s, and 8s they also made V12, V16 and X24 engines, diesel and gasoline. You can find quite a bit of info on these in Robert Neal's Packards at Speed, a wonderful book.

I also know that Jim Nance wasn't that hot on introducing the V-8 in 1955, but saw the handwriting on the wall, so to speak.

G'day David,
for including your '38 Eight Deluxe 4 Door Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.