Packard [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Dennis Alder (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Unlike its contemporary luxury carmakers, which mostly produced one-of-a-kind, limited production automobiles, Packard built high-quality vehicles in volume while still turning a profit. Consequently, it was the only independent luxury car builder to survive the Great Depression. This is the complete story of Packard, from its earliest days in 1899 through its final demise in 1958. Archival b/w photos, as well as beautiful new colour photos, accompany a thoroughly researched text.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International; illustrated edition edition (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760304823
• ISBN-13: 978-0760304822
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #892,620 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing!, January 26, 1999

By	Craig Tiano ([e-mail]) (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

Coverage limited primarily to certain "clasic" senior models, ignoring the vast majority of both pre- and post-war models. Beautiful photographs make the book one for the coffee table.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ask the man who owns one!, December 20, 2005

By	H. N. Dohe (My Sanctum Sanctorium) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Packard (Motorbooks Classic) (Paperback)

Unfortunately I don't own a Packard, but my grandfather did. This is an excellent book. Classic Motorbooks always do a fine job with writing books that appeal to the casual reader, if not the die-hard expert. They also lavish each book with beautiful photos. This book is no different. All the eras are covered, from the first Packards up to the last Packardbakers (after Packard and Studebaker merged) in the 1950s. Packard was THE American luxury car of the 20s and 30s. In an attempt to up sales, Packard made the big mistake that put them on the slippery slope downhill- by producing lower priced cars (their 110 and 120 series) that visually looked no different from their more expensive customs (unlike GM, where a Chevy didn't look like a Caddy). The end came when Jim Nance became head of Packard, and mismanaged it into dissolution. This is the only Packard book that I have read that actually speaks kindly of Nance, who engineered the merger with Studebaker, stopped supplying parts that keep thousands of old Packards running, and gambled on unproven technology that was rushed into production.

Before the end, Packard created some very beautiful and reliable automobiles. They are often refered to as works of art. Check out a Classic Car show with a Packard or two and you will see what I mean.

This is a fine addition to anyone's Classic Car Library. Just ask me, a man who owns a copy of this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Cadillac of Books about Packards, November 20, 2007

By	Walter T. Aperkins "Moneywaster" (Northern Va) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Packard (Motorbooks Classic) (Paperback)

This work of art had great photos and informative text. Not so much a business or social commentary as a testament to the grand art of auto design and manufacture. One wonders what the future holds for Lincoln, Cadillac and Jaguar when an entire generation loves and admires Asian vehicles even when J. D. Powers or others present evidence to the contrary.