The Air Zoo also showcased a few non-aeronautical items like this ambulance. I believe it's a Packard, but I'm sure there's at least one person out there who can verify my claim (you know who you are!). Photo taken in June 2011.
Indeed, it IS a Packard, a 1942 Packard Clipper, to be exact.
All civilian car production for American car builders ceased in February, 1942 as the U.S. shifted its industries to full-time war production.
The Clipper was introduced for the1942 model year. For its time, it was a thoroughly modern car, a true break from the styling and construction practices of the 1930s. Alas, it was introduced just in time for the shut down of civilian production. It was re-introduced in 1946 as civilian production resumed, but Packard was hard-hit by steel shortages after the war and couldn't build enough cars to meet demand. The Clipper continued in 1947, but was replaced by the 1948 Pregnant Elephant" Packards, a ghastly, bulbous restyle of the graceful 1942 Clipper. The 1942 Clipper was a car that could have made a huge difference for Packard, but it never had a chance.
The car you show here is one built for military brass. General Eisenhower had a Packard like this. All the brightwork on the cars produced for the military was painted olive drab to help camouflage the cars.
The B&W is a very nice idea here
ReplyDeleteLove old cars but can't say if it's a Packard!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful shot, Halcyon;o)
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Hope you are having a nice and happy week****
Whatever it is, I do love it!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right; probably a 1939. My first car was a 1937 Chevy...very similar in looks.
ReplyDeleteChanged my mind. It's not a Packard...the grille is all wrong. I do believe it's probably a 1937 Buick. Maybe. Perhaps.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it IS a Packard, a 1942 Packard Clipper, to be exact.
ReplyDeleteAll civilian car production for American car builders ceased in February, 1942 as the U.S. shifted its industries to full-time war production.
The Clipper was introduced for the1942 model year. For its time, it was a thoroughly modern car, a true break from the styling and construction practices of the 1930s. Alas, it was introduced just in time for the shut down of civilian production. It was re-introduced in 1946 as civilian production resumed, but Packard was hard-hit by steel shortages after the war and couldn't build enough cars to meet demand. The Clipper continued in 1947, but was replaced by the 1948 Pregnant Elephant" Packards, a ghastly, bulbous restyle of the graceful 1942 Clipper. The 1942 Clipper was a car that could have made a huge difference for Packard, but it never had a chance.
The car you show here is one built for military brass. General Eisenhower had a Packard like this. All the brightwork on the cars produced for the military was painted olive drab to help camouflage the cars.
Whether it's a Packard or not, the car is just fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHere's an ad for a 1942 Packard Clipper.
ReplyDeleteAre these all WWII era? I love the history!
ReplyDelete