The Henney Motor Company: The Complete History [Hardcover]

Thomas A. McPherson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2009

Initially assembling its own complete vehicles, Henney mounted its premium-quality hearse and ambulance bodies on such diverse chassis as Essex, Ford, Lincoln, Pontiac, Pierce-Arrow, Oldsmobile, Velie—and at least one Austin. The harsh economic climate of the 1930s brought Henney and Packard together, Henney hitching its wagon to the Packard star to become the sole American professional car builder authorized to use the prestigious Packard commercial chassis. This exclusive arrangement eventually evolved to a point where—in addition to its famed funeral coaches and ambulances—the Henney Motor Company was also building seven-passenger sedans, limousines and concept cars for Packard as well as special limousines for the White House. After the Freeport, Illinois plant closed in 1955, the Henney name was resurrected for use on the first modern electric-powered automobile in America—the Henney Kilowatt. The only definitive book ever published on Henney and its fabled relationship with Packard, this book is also the story of a pioneering American company, its charismatic leaders, wide array of products and the unique segment of the motor industry in which it was involved.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The only definitive book ever published on Henney and its fabled relationship with Packard, this book is also the story of a pioneering American company, its charismatic leaders, wide array of products and the unique segment of the motor industry in which it was involved. The book includes hundreds of never-before-published photos covering this truly remarkable enterprise’s entire history, from its early buggies, ambulance/hearse bodies, through its famed teamwork with Packard, to the Henney Kilowatt.

About the Author

Thomas A. McPherson's byline is well known to most professional car enthusiasts. Because he has been documenting the history of the professional car industry and its products for many years, he is considered by many to be the leading authority in the field. A life-long car buff, Tom has been collecting automotive literature since the 1950s, has held product information and public relations positions with the Canadian subsidiaries of Fiat/Lancia, DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Audi, has co-authored a few books on Funeral Cars & Hearses, as well as self-published 3 hefty books on his own – Flxible, Eureka and Superior.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Iconografix (May 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583882332
• ISBN-13: 978-1583882337
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delaney's reading list, August 9, 2009

By 

Paul Delaney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Henney Motor Company: The Complete History (Hardcover)

A must have item for students of professional cars, particularly Packard aficionados. Also,the section devoted to the crafting of Packard concept cars is most welcome.

This volume has earned an honored place on my book shelves and represents excellent value for the automotive literature collector.

5.0 out of 5 stars Henney Professional Cars, November 1, 2009

By 

J. Harris "digger52" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Henney Motor Company: The Complete History (Hardcover)

This is a very informative book on the Henney Motor Company. As a member of the PCS, I found the photos and text very interesting. Henney-Packard Hearses and
other professional vehicles by Henney were execellent eamples of the vehicles that were available th funeral homes in the great past years of the funeral profession.
Today, we have Cadillacs (for how much longer) and Lincolns. Yes, things change but not for the better. Another great book by Iconografix and Thomas A. McPherson.