Packardbaker

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The rear quarter panel of the 1958 Packard shows the type of awkward modification to the Studebaker President body that helped the brand earn the dubious nickname of Packardbaker

Packardbaker is a derisive slang term applied to 1957 and 1958 model year Packard automobiles. The word's origin came from detractors of Studebaker Packard Corporation's attempt to continue the Packard brand with models that were derived from the Studebaker President body shell and running gear.

When unveiled to the dealer network in the summer of 1956, the 1957 models brought angry comments and the loss of dealers since in quality, design and appointments the vehicle was not considered fit to wear the Packard name.

In 1957, the sole model was named Packard Clipper, and offered as a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon.

In 1958, the "restyled" car gained a two door hardtop body style in addition to the sedan and the station wagon, but all three cars were simply named "Packard". All sold poorly and Packard production ended in 1958.

[edit] References

• Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
• Langworth, Richard. 1957-58 "Packardbaker": America's First Replicar. pp. 8-20, Collectible Automobile Magazine April 1985, Vol.5, Number 6.