Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Did Packard build their own bodies for the LWB limousines or did they have another company build them? Just curious and trying to learn! Thanks!!
Kevin

Packard used Henney for the postwar LWB cars of the 21st series, but for the 22nd and 23rd series Henney was so busy with their new professional funeral vehicles that the 22nd/23rd series LWB cars were done by Briggs who was building all of Packard's standard bodies at the time. See page 183 of the Neal book if you have it. When the LWB cars were again offered in 53/54 they went back to Henney.

Packard essentially gave up making their own bodies when the signed the deal with Briggs to make the new Clipper-style bodies for 1941 (Packard continued to make the last of the old traditional style 41/42 bodies) and Briggs remained Packard's body supplier until 1955 when Packard resumed making it's own bodies. Exceptions are the 21st series LWB cars, a handful of 52-54 Derhams, a couple of 51 Dietrichs both of which were just slightly modified standard bodies, and a few others like the Panthers, Pan Americans, Balboas, Monte Carlos, and a trickle of others. Packard resumed making their own bodies for the 1955/56 cars as Briggs was sold to Chrysler.

(Edited for clarity)