Packard Executive
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The Packard Executive was an automobile produced by the Packard-Clipper Division of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation in 1956.
The Packard Executive was introduced on March 5, 1956 to fill a perceived price gap between the prestige Packard line and the new Clipper (automobile) brand, which was in its first year as separate brand. In previous years, Clipper models had been sold as "Packard Clippers." The most expensive Clipper, the Clipper Custom, listed at $3,065 for the 4-door sedan. The Packard Executive sedan retailed for $3,465, while the top-of-the-line Packard Patrician sedan sold for $4,160.
The Executive was marketed with the invitation to “enter the luxury car class now—at a modest investment,” and was aimed at "the young man on the way up."
Effectively, the Packard Executive replaced the entire Clipper Custom line of vehicles, as production of the Customs was ended once the Executive was announced.
The Executive was created by combining the Clipper Custom's body, complete with its distinctive tail light design, and installing the front fenders, hood, and radiator grille assembly of the senior Packard models. It also used the Clipper Custom's 122-inch (3,100 mm) wheelbase, and its overhead valve V-8 engine with a displacement of 352 cubic inches, developing 275 hp (205 kW). This contrasted with the engine used by the rest of the 1956 Packard models, which displaced 374 cubic inches and developed 295 horsepower (310 hp (230 kW) for the Caribbean).
Beyond the senior Packard grille and front end sheet metal, Executives were further distinguished from the Clipper line by a unique side trim design that that made reference to the senior Packards, and allowed for two-toned paint schemes. However, the interior appointments and instrumentation were pure Clipper.
Executives received their own series designation of 5670. It was offered in two body styles; a two-door hardtop (model 5677), and a four-door Touring Sedan (model 5672).
Although the Executive sold as fast as it was produced, it was not enough to substantially improve the financial picture for the Packard-Clipper Division. Even as the Executive was being announced, the media had already been reporting of sales and fiscal woes at the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, and rumors were flying that the Packard marque might be discontinued. These rumors weighed heavily on the company’s efforts to sell any of its products. Buyers did not wish to be stuck with a so-called “orphan” car, where spare parts would no longer be available from a dealer, and resale values would be negatively impacted.
During the Executive's shortened model year of March through June, Packard built a total of 2,815 Executives—1,015 two-door hardtops and 1,800 four-door sedans.
All Detroit production of Packard and Clipper models ceased on June 25, 1956 with the shuttering of the Conner Avenue assembly plant. The Packard name was continued for the 1957 and 1958 model years on products that were based on Studebaker platforms, and which were built on the same assembly lines in South Bend, Indiana as the Studebaker models.
[edit] Sources
- Gunnell, John, Editor The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 Kraus Publications, 1987. ISBN 0-87341-096-3
- Kimes, Beverly Rae, Editor Packard: A History of the Motor Car and the Company Automobile Quarterly Publications, ISBN 0-915038-11-0
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