Packard, renowned for its unwavering quality, reigned supreme among American luxury cars before World War II. However, the industry was undergoing a rapid shift. Consumer tastes turned towards quieter, smoother rides, with lighter steering and improved brakes. Wheels shrank from stately 20 inches to 17 inches, and fenders gained skirting to conceal the lost space.
Packard initially struggled to adapt. Until 1934, their bodies clung to the design of the early 1930s, with awkward attempts to blend them with the evolving chassis. Thankfully, a new line of bodies and fenders for 1935 better embraced the lower frames and smaller wheels.
However, the 1935 radiator design fell short of expectations for America’s premier brand. Redemption arrived in 1936 with a stunning redesign. A beautifully sculpted nose seamlessly flowed into exquisitely proportioned bodies, all complemented by fenders boasting elegant lines and a handsome curved edge.
Photos by Karissa Hosek courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
