Packard and Clipper, 1955-56: Confessions of a Collector

I have the privilege of owning two 1956 Packard hardtops, an Executive and an Esquire. Another Packard and nine others dating from 1930 inhabit our small Atlanta suburban neighborhood. All of us as Packard “caretakers” appreciate both the quality and legacy of our cars. The author adds so much to our affection for what glass, metal and rubber can mean, especially to Americans. I have been privileged to have heard a few of these stories before, but this book is a personal and impressive recounting of what a car brand can do to a very talented man. Most highly recommended, especially for the storytelling encounters.

Two modelyears is a daring theme for any car book, and when a writer takes on Packard’s last Detroit years, he directs the headlights in to a area of car enthusiasm that is rather unexplored. Much have been written about Packard twelves and the heydays of Packard, and even on the Brands demise, but This is the first book I have found written by a true lover of these truly innovative cars. The combination of easy and thorough knowledge paired with that personal love and despair every car collector probably knows so well, the sorrow of the car you never should have sold, and the everexpanding universe of curiosity and wish to know every detail of design, production, sales, ownerships and technical solution, makes this book into a place where most car enthusiasts will feel at home. And for those of us hooked on «Let the ride decide», incredible interiors, the best dashboard in automotive history, and the fascinating story of a Brave attempt to save a legendary brand, McCalls book is a must.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It left me wanting more about my favorite Packards.

shows the history of late Packards in a personal way. Many interesting snippets