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Packard 300
Packard 300
from Wikipedia
Packard Model 2472 / 2572 / 2672 / 5472
1951 Packard 300 4-door Touring Sedan
Overview
ManufacturerPackard
Model years1951–1952 (300)
1953–1954 (Cavalier)
AssemblyPackard Automotive Plant, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
DesignerJohn Reinhart[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine327 cu in (5.4 L) flat-head Straight-eight engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase127 in (3,225.8 mm)
Length217.8 in (5,532.1 mm)
Width77.8 in (1,976.1 mm)
Height62.9 in (1,597.7 mm)
Curb weight3,925 lb (1,780 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorPackard Super Eight (1950)
SuccessorPackard Executive

The Packard 300 is an automobile built and sold by the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan for model years 1951 and 1952. The 300 represented the upper mid-range Packard model and provided better appointments than the Packard 200 or the Packard 250 models, and replaced the Packard Super Eight. The Packard Patrician 400 became the top level "senior" Packard replacing the Custom Super Eight.[2][3] The 300 was positioned against the Buick Roadmaster, Cadillac Series 61, Chrysler Saratoga, Frazier Manhattan and Lincoln Cosmopolitan.[2]

For both model years, the Packard 300 was built as a four-door sedan only and was mounted on Packard's 127-inch (3,200 mm) wheelbase.[4] The car included the basic trim appointments found in the 200 and 200 Deluxe model lines and featured tinted windows, a robe rail for backseat passengers, and striped interior fabrics. Exterior trim included full wheel covers and Packard's "Winged Goddess" cormorant hood ornament.[2] The 300 also had a wraparound rear window, which it shared with the Patrician models. All Packards beginning in 1951 offered exterior door handles installed in the stainless steel beltline that ran along the bottom of the windshield, side windows, and rear window.[2]

Power for the car in both years came from Packard's venerable Super Eight engine, the 327-cubic-inch (5,360 cc) "Thunderbolt" inline eight, which was shared with the 250 line. A three-speed manual shift was standard, while Packard's Ultramatic automatic transmission was offered as optional equipment.

A total of 22,309 Packard 300s were built in the model's two years on the market with 1951's total of 15,309 representing the high sales mark for the 300 model. The 300 was $3,034 ($36,754 in 2024 dollars [5]), with a heater and defroster, signal-seeking AM radio, windshield washers, rear wheel fender skirts, wheel trim rings, full wheel covers, and white sidewall tires available as optional equipment.[2] In 1953, the 300 was renamed the Cavalier as Packard moved away from its strict numeric model naming structure. Neither 300 nor Cavalier is mentioned anywhere on the vehicle.

Packard Cavalier

[edit]

The Packard Cavalier is an automobile produced by the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan during 1953 and 1954. Produced only as a four-door sedan, the Cavalier took the place of the Packard 300 model that was fielded in 1951 and 1952 as Packard's mid-range priced vehicle, and was replaced by the Packard Executive.

1953 Packard Cavalier

The 1953 Cavalier was easily identified from other Packards by its unique chrome side spear trim and a "fishtail" chrome fin added to the tail light, shared with all Packards for 1953.[3]

Packard also created a Cavalier sub-series under which three other Packard models, marketed under various names were grouped:

A convertible model, using Cavalier trim, was offered during the 1953 model year and was priced lower than the Caribbean.[2]

1954 Packard Cavalier

In 1954, the Cavalier was once again offered as a four-door sedan only, but the range also lost its subseries, and the Caribbean was moved into the senior Packard line, where it remained until Packard transferred manufacturing to South Bend in 1956. The 1954 Cavalier featured "slash" trim on the rear doors. It used the same 127 in (3,226 mm) wheelbase as the premium-level Patrician series but with the straight-eight engine as in the Clipper. This 327 cu in (5.4 L) I8 engine, equipped with a four-barrel Carter carburetor, was rated at 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS).[6]

For the 1955 model year, the Cavalier name was retired and the line was absorbed into the Packard Clipper Custom series.

Sources

[edit]
  1. ^ Kowalke, Ron, ed. (1999). Standard Catalog of Independents: The Struggle to Survive Among Giants. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. p. 260. ISBN 0-87341-569-8.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Flory, J. "Kelly" Jr. (2008). American Cars, 1946 to 1959; Every Model, Year by Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  3. ^ a b Gunnell, John, ed. (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
  4. ^ "Directory Index: Packard/1953 Packard/1953_Packard_Owners_Manual". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
  5. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  6. ^ Donnelly, Jim (April 2013). "The Accidental Cavalier - 1954 Packard Cavalier". Hemmings Classic Car. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  • Dawes, Nathaniel D. (1975). The Packard: 1942-1962. A.S. Barnes & Co. Inc., Cranbury NJ. ISBN 0-498-01353-7.


Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Packard 300 was a full-size luxury four-door sedan produced by the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, for model years 1951 and 1952, positioned as an upper mid-range offering below the flagship Patrician. Built on a 127-inch shared with higher-end models, it featured modern squared-off styling with a horizontal grille, high-mounted headlights, and a distinctive wrap-around rear window, marking a significant departure from Packard's prewar curvaceous designs. Powered by a 327-cubic-inch delivering 150 horsepower, the 300 came standard with a three-speed and offered the optional automatic, along with features like full wheel covers, tinted windows, and a robe rail for rear passengers. Introduced amid Packard's efforts to revitalize its image through a complete 1951 redesign, the model achieved total production of 22,309 units but struggled with anonymous aesthetics and intensifying competition from brands like , contributing to the company's declining in the early .

History and Development

Origins in Packard's Postwar Lineup

Following , Packard encountered severe challenges in the luxury automobile market, including a sharp decline in sales from to due to the unpopular "" styling of its postwar models and a cooling economic boom that reduced demand for high-end vehicles. The company faced intensifying competition from Cadillac's Series 62, priced at around $3,570, and Lincoln's Cosmopolitan at $3,200, both backed by the vast resources of and Ford, respectively, which allowed them to innovate more rapidly than the independent . In response, Packard management decided to consolidate its prewar Super Eight series, which had previously dominated the upper echelons of its lineup, into fewer, more efficient model lines to streamline production and cut costs amid shrinking market share. This consolidation effort culminated in the introduction of the in 1951 as a direct replacement for the Super Eight, establishing it as an upper mid-range offering positioned below the flagship Patrician 400 to broaden appeal without fully cannibalizing the top-tier model's prestige. The 300 was designed to bridge the gap between entry-level models like the 200 series and the Patrician, targeting buyers seeking refined luxury at a more accessible price point. Development of the 300 began in 1949 as part of the broader Twenty-Fourth Series redesign, led by Packard's styling director Edward Macauley in collaboration with designer John Reinhart, who sought to modernize the brand's image after staff concerns over extending the outdated designs. Under Macauley's direction, the focus was on balancing opulent luxury elements with rigorous cost controls to enhance competitiveness, including a lighter frame that reduced weight by about 200 pounds compared to prior models. To achieve this efficiency, the 300 shared essential components with the Patrician 400, such as the 127-inch and much of the underlying sheetmetal, but employed simpler trim levels to clearly delineate market segments and avoid blurring the lines between 's hierarchy of offerings. This strategic sharing of parts helped maintain quality while addressing financial pressures from postwar operations.

Introduction and 1951 Model Year

The 300 was introduced as part of the all-new Twenty-Fourth Series lineup by the Motor Car Company, announced on August 24, 1950, with production beginning in late 1950 for the 1951 . This debut followed Packard's postwar consolidation, which aimed to streamline its offerings amid intensifying competition in the luxury market. Positioned as an upper mid-range model between the entry-level 200 and the flagship 400 Patrician, the 300 sought to appeal to buyers desiring Packard's renowned engineering without the highest price tier. Initially available exclusively as a four-door sedan, the Packard 300 rode on a 127-inch , providing generous interior space and a smooth ride characteristic of Packard's heritage. Its base price of $3,034—equivalent to approximately $36,754 in dollars—targeted affluent consumers looking for accessible luxury in an era of economic recovery. Early marketing for the 1951 Packard 300 highlighted the marque's longstanding reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and understated elegance, encapsulated in the slogan "It's more than a , it's a ." This approach positioned the model to rival established competitors in the near-luxury segment, such as the and , by emphasizing value-driven sophistication over ostentatious features.

1952 Refinements and Production

For the , the 300 received subtle styling updates to enhance its modern appearance without a full redesign. The grille was revised with the addition of a crest at the top center, maintaining the characteristic "teeth" from but paired with massive wrap-around bumpers for a bolder front . These changes aimed to align the entry-level 300 more closely with the upscale models in the lineup while preserving the overall conservative aesthetic introduced the previous year. Interior refinements focused on comfort and appeal, introducing two new upholstery designs exclusive to the 300, featuring high-fashion patterns such as quiet stripes against solid backgrounds for a more contemporary cabin feel. Optional power accessories, including the Easamatic vacuum-assisted brakes that reduced pedal effort by 40 percent, were made available to broaden the model's attractiveness to buyers seeking added . These updates built on the 1951 introduction by emphasizing practical enhancements over radical overhauls. Production of the 1952 Packard 300 totaled 6,705 units, a significant decline from the 15,309 built in 1951, reflecting broader economic challenges including steel shortages and credit restrictions stemming from the . Industry-wide shifts toward more aggressive styling from competitors like further eroded Packard's market share, contributing to a 35 percent drop in overall sales for the Twenty-Fifth Series. The decision to discontinue the 300 nameplate after 1952 was influenced by ongoing merger discussions with , which began in earnest under new president James Nance in mid-1952 and formalized in 1954. This strategic shift prompted to abandon its numeric model designations, renaming the entry-level line the for 1953 to streamline branding amid the impending corporate consolidation.

Design and Features

Exterior Styling

The Packard 300 featured a conservative yet elegant upright sedan profile, measuring 217.8 inches in , 77.8 inches in width, and 62.9 inches in , with a curb weight of 3,925 pounds that contributed to its substantial road presence. This sizing positioned it as a full-size luxury vehicle on Packard's 127-inch , emphasizing stately proportions over the more compact designs emerging in the early . Signature styling elements included a distinctive wraparound composed of a three-piece backlite, which enhanced the sense of spaciousness and modernity while maintaining the car's traditional lines. The hood was adorned with Packard's iconic ornament, a chrome-plated evoking classical motifs, complemented by full wheel covers and tasteful chrome accents along the fenders and side spears that highlighted its mid-range positioning. These details set the 300 apart from entry-level models while distinguishing it through subtler embellishments. Paint and trim options reflected the 300's status as a mid-tier offering, with standard two-tone schemes available to add visual contrast and sophistication, often pairing a body color with a contrasting roof or lower accents. Badging was less ornate than on the Patrician, featuring streamlined chrome scripts and minimal emblems to denote its accessible luxury without excess ostentation. Aerodynamically, the design incorporated smooth, flowing fenders and integrated headlights housed within the front fender contours, aligning with luxury trends toward cleaner profiles while eschewing the exaggerated tailfins seen on competitors. This approach prioritized refined airflow and visual harmony, contributing to the car's dignified, understated aesthetic.

Interior Appointments

The Packard 300 accommodated six passengers in its four-door sedan body, with bench-style front and rear seats upholstered in striped fabrics as standard equipment, while genuine trim was available as a $153 option. A rear compartment robe rail provided convenience for backseat occupants, and the front seats offered manual horizontal adjustment spanning 19 inches for enhanced driver and passenger comfort. The 127-inch contributed to spacious accommodations, including ample rear legroom that exceeded the entry-level series by five inches. The incorporated woodgrain accents and a cluster of analog gauges for essential , paired with a tilt-type glare-proof rearview mirror as standard. An optional signal-seeking AM radio ($125.80) featured an electric antenna and rear speaker to ensure clear audio throughout . Standard safety and convenience elements included tinted glass windows to reduce glare, ashtrays positioned in the front and rear for smoker accommodation, and two sun visors with variable-speed windshield wipers. Compared to the upscale Patrician , the employed simpler door panels without custom wood inlays or special carpeting, along with a non-chrome-plated , positioning it as a more accessible entry into Packard's luxury lineup. These appointments remained largely consistent for the 1952 model year, with minor refinements to fabric options and optional power features like the four-way adjustable seat.

Mechanical Innovations

The Packard 300 introduced independent front suspension utilizing coil springs, marking a departure from the rigid beam axles common in prewar Packard automobiles and delivering markedly improved ride comfort and handling stability on uneven roads. This system, paired with new full-flex shock absorbers and a front roll-stabilizing bar, enhanced the vehicle's poise during cornering while maintaining the smooth, isolated feel expected of a luxury sedan. Braking was handled by Bendix hydraulic drum brakes measuring 12 inches in diameter at all four wheels, providing progressive and fade-resistant tailored to refined driving. A mechanical , updated with a new Safeti-set mechanism for secure engagement, operated on the rear wheels to complement the self-energizing service brakes without compromising the overall serenity of the ride. The steering employed a Gemmer recirculating ball system with a 22.3:1 gear ratio, facilitating light and precise control especially at speeds while ensuring stability at velocities. Complementing these mechanical refinements, the 300 included a standard electrically operated Borg clock for convenient timekeeping and offered optional power windows as a convenience feature, underscoring Packard's commitment to integrating modern amenities affordably in the mid-range luxury segment.

Specifications

Engine and Performance

The Packard 300 featured a 327 cubic-inch (5.4 L) L-head , dubbed the "," which delivered 150 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 270 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. This flathead design prioritized production cost savings by avoiding overhead valves, yet it provided exceptional durability and smooth operation well-suited to luxury motoring demands, with a of 7.0:1 for models or 7.8:1 for those with . Fuel delivery came from a single downdraft Carter WGD-series , contributing to an estimated highway fuel economy of around 15-17 under favorable conditions. The engine's emphasis on low-end enabled effortless and sustained highway speeds, reflecting 's focus on refined, vibration-free performance over raw athleticism. In terms of driving dynamics, the Packard 300 achieved 0-60 mph in approximately 15 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph, characteristics that underscored its role as a comfortable rather than a sports sedan. This paired seamlessly with the optional automatic transmission for enhanced ease of use.

Chassis and Dimensions

The Packard 300 employed a "C"-section perimeter frame with a center X-member for structural support, providing the rigidity necessary to underpin its body while handling the demands of luxury sedan operation. This measured 127 inches in , a shared with the higher-end Patrician model to ensure consistent ride quality and proportions across Packard's senior lineup. The track width was 60 inches at the front and 61 7/32 inches at the rear, contributing to stable handling on paved roads. Standard equipment included 7.10 x 15 whitewall tires fitted to 15-inch wheels with 5-lug hubs, balancing comfort and grip for everyday driving. The overall curb weight hovered around 3,880 to 3,925 pounds, reflecting the robust build suited to its class without excess for urban maneuverability. Ground clearance stood at 7.5 inches, tailored for smooth performance on city streets and highways rather than rugged terrain.

Transmission Options

The Packard 300 came standard with a three-speed equipped with a column-mounted shift and on second and third gears, facilitating smooth gear engagement during typical operation. This setup utilized carburized, helically cut gears supported by nine ball and roller bearings for durability and reduced noise. The transmission's gear ratios were 2.61:1 in first gear, 1.68:1 in second gear, and 1.00:1 in direct drive, paired with a standard rear ratio of 3.90:1 (with optional 4.10:1 or 3.54:1 ratios available), which balanced acceleration and highway efficiency for rear-wheel-drive performance. As an optional upgrade, the Packard 300 offered the , Packard's pioneering two-speed fully introduced in 1949 and refined for the model year, incorporating a and a two-speed planetary gearset with ratios of 1.82:1 in low (manually selectable) and 1.00:1 in high, plus reverse at 2.61:1, all hydraulically controlled to minimize driver input and enhance comfort. This innovation, unique among independent automakers at the time, emphasized effortless drivability, particularly for urban commuting and extended travel, by eliminating manual shifting while handling the 327-cubic-inch engine's output effectively; early models lacked a dedicated . Both transmission options integrated with the Packard 300's rear-wheel-drive layout employing a system, where a conventional driveshaft connected the transmission to a fixed rear suspended by springs, promoting straightforward power delivery and stability suited to non-enthusiast owners. The manual variant provided precise control and potentially superior fuel economy for attentive drivers, whereas the prioritized luxury and reduced fatigue, making the Packard 300 more accessible in an era of growing adoption.

Variants and Evolution

1951-1952 Body Styles

The Packard 300 for model years 1951 and 1952 was available solely as a four-door touring sedan configured for six passengers, built on a 127-inch that provided ample interior space and a smooth ride, with production of 15,604 units in 1951 and 6,705 in 1952. This body style emphasized Packard's commitment to full-sized luxury sedans, differentiating the 300 from the shorter-wheelbase 200 series while avoiding more compact or sporty configurations like coupes or convertibles, which were not introduced until subsequent model evolutions. Trim levels for the 300 included a base variant equipped with cloth upholstery, offering essential luxury features such as tinted windows and a rear robe rail, while deluxe trims upgraded to genuine seats at an additional cost of $153 and incorporated extra chrome accents for enhanced visual appeal. These options positioned the 300 as a mid-range entry in Packard's lineup, with less opulent detailing than the flagship Patrician 400 but superior to the entry-level 200 series. Factory custom options were limited and rare, including occasional specials such as continental spare tire kits or dual side mounts that added a distinctive, upscale aesthetic to the sedan's profile, though these were not standard and often required special ordering. The standard color palette offered a selection of single- and two-tone hues.

Transition to Packard Cavalier

For the 1953 model year, the Packard 300 was rebranded as the Packard , reflecting company president James J. Nance's overhaul of the model lineup to elevate the medium-price segment's prestige and differentiate it from upscale senior models like the . To visually set the apart, Packard added distinctive chrome side spears that swept back along the body sides and a "fishtail" chrome fin integrated with the tail lights, shared across the 1953 Packard range but prominent on the subseries. A notable addition was the new , equipped with a power-operated top and luxurious interior appointments, priced at $5,210 and produced in a limited run of 750 units to target affluent buyers seeking open-air elegance. By 1954, amid Packard's overall sales slump—with total output falling to 30,965 vehicles—the lineup reverted to sedan-only configuration, featuring only subtle grille refinements to maintain a refreshed appearance without major redesign. This evolution served as a strategic refresh in the lead-up to Packard's 1954 merger with , aligning the more closely with the series to streamline production and market positioning under the new .

Post-1954 Successors

Following the transition to the , the 300 series' mid-level positioning influenced the 1955 lineup, where the Cavalier name was retired and its role absorbed into the Custom series. The Clipper Custom adopted a shorter 122-inch for improved maneuverability while maintaining luxury features, and was equipped with Packard's new overhead-valve 352 cubic-inch , delivering 245 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of . The Packard 300's design legacy extended through the straight-eight engine's use until 1954, after which the 1955 V8 adoption preserved core engineering principles like smooth power delivery and refined ride quality in successors such as the Four Hundred , which incorporated updated styling cues including a more integrated front and pillarless design for enhanced elegance. The lineage of the 300 and its immediate successors reached full discontinuation by 1956, as the 1954 Studebaker-Packard merger encountered severe financial setbacks, including production inefficiencies and declining sales, compounded by the automotive market's pivot toward compact cars that eroded demand for full-size luxury sedans. In contemporary contexts, the Packard 300 forms the basis for numerous custom restorations among enthusiasts, aided by extensive parts interchangeability with other 1950s Packard models such as the and , which simplifies sourcing components for body, chassis, and mechanical rebuilds.

Production and Reception

Manufacturing Details

The Packard 300 was assembled at the company's primary manufacturing facility, the located on East Grand Boulevard in , , a sprawling complex spanning over 3.5 million square feet that served as the hub for production of Packard's senior luxury models during the early . This plant handled final assembly, integration of major components, and finishing processes for the 300 series, which shared its 127-inch wheelbase platform with higher-end models like the Patrician. Body panels and stampings for the 300 were outsourced to Briggs Manufacturing Company, which had taken over Packard's body production and stamping operations starting in 1941 to streamline costs and leverage specialized expertise in sheet metal fabrication. Production of the Packard 300 proceeded at a rate of approximately 50 units per day during 1951, reflecting the model's position as a mid-level offering in Packard's lineup amid postwar demand for luxury vehicles. However, output declined to around 30 units per day in 1952, largely due to a worker walkout at the Detroit plant that disrupted operations, compounded by broader industry challenges such as steel shortages from national strikes. Engine blocks for the 300's 327-cubic-inch straight-eight were cast in-house at Packard's Detroit foundry, ensuring tight control over core powertrain quality, while transmissions—including the optional Ultramatic automatic—incorporated components supplied by Detroit Gear Division of BorgWarner for planetary gears and related hardware. To maintain Packard's longstanding reputation for superior craftsmanship, manufacturing emphasized meticulous , including hand-fitting of chrome trim elements for precise alignment and a comprehensive multi-point process that scrutinized fit, finish, and mechanical integrity before vehicles left the line. These measures, rooted in Packard's prewar traditions of luxury , helped differentiate the from mass-market competitors despite the era's increasing pressures.

Sales Figures and Market Position

The Packard 300 recorded production of 15,309 units in its debut 1951 , representing the model's sales peak. In 1952, output fell to 7,000 units, yielding a two-year total of 22,309 vehicles. Base pricing for the 1951 Packard 300 began at $3,034 for the four-door sedan, a figure that increased modestly to $3,094 for the 1952 model amid minor adjustments across the lineup. This positioned the 300 approximately $628 below the flagship , which listed at $3,662, allowing it to target value-conscious buyers in the upper-intermediate luxury segment without encroaching on Packard's premium offerings. Within 's 1951 portfolio, the captured about 20% of total sales, which reached 76,075 units company-wide, underscoring its role as a solid mid-tier contributor amid the brand's recovery. It vied directly with competitors like Series 62 in the luxury field but lagged behind Packard's own lower-priced and series models, which emphasized volume over prestige and drew more budget-oriented domestic customers. Overall, senior Packard production, including the , totaled over 29,000 units that year—substantial for an independent but trailing Cadillac's dominant output in the segment. Export volumes for the 300 remained modest, focused on markets in and where Packards were assembled or distributed through local facilities to meet regional demands.

Contemporary Reviews

Contemporary reviewers of the Packard 300 highlighted its exceptional ride quality and serene interior as standout features. Despite these strengths, the Packard 300 faced criticism for its powertrain shortcomings relative to competitors. Automotive outlets like pointed to the outdated , which lagged behind rivals' modern overhead-valve V8s in efficiency and power delivery; the publication specifically called out sluggish acceleration, with 0-60 mph times estimated around 15 seconds, making it feel underpowered for highway merging. Owner feedback from the early emphasized the model's high reliability, with surveys indicating strong scores for and low maintenance needs compared to other luxury sedans of the era. However, resale values declined notably by , dropping approximately 30% from initial MSRP due to perceptions of styling conservatism that failed to match the bolder designs of contemporaries like and Lincoln. The Packard 300 did not garner major automotive awards during its production run, though it has since been recognized in collector communities for embodying the distinct pre-merger heritage, valued for its understated elegance and engineering integrity.

References

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