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 Town Sedan and a four-door Country Sedan (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". Last, but not least was the new Packard Hawk, a derivation of the Studebaker Golden Hawk. All sold poorly and Packard production ended with the close of the 1958 model year.

References

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* Langworth, Richard. 1957-58 "Packardbaker": America's First Replicar." pp. 8-20, Collectible Automobile Magazine April 1985, Vol.5, Number 6.