Packard (Motorbooks Classic) [Paperback]

Dennis Adler (Author)

Book Description

Series: Motorbooks Classic | Publication Date: July 23, 2004

Foreword by Jay Leno. The author delivers the complete history of this magnificent marque, from Packard's first Model A horseless carriage of 1899, to the company's final days in 1958. Archival black-and-white photographs, stunning new color photos, and a thorough and well-researched text guide you through Packard's stylish lineup.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dennis Adler is an avid automotive enthusiast, writer, and photographer who has written several books, including Packard, Chrysler, and Fifties Flashback: The American Car. He lives in Imler, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks (July 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760319286
• ISBN-13: 978-0760319284
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,628,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 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

This review is from: Packard (Hardcover)

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

Amazon Verified Purchase

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)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.