Packard Patrician

1951–1952
1952 Packard Patrician 400
Overview
Manufacturer	Packard
Production	1951–1952
Designer	John Reinhart[2]
Body and chassis
Body style	Sedan
Layout	FR
Related	Packard Mayfair
Powertrain
Engine	327 cu in (5.4 L) Packard straight-eight
Transmission	2-speed Ultramatic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	127.0 in (3,226 mm)
Length	219.7 in (5,580 mm)
Width	78.3 in (1,989 mm)
Height	62.2 in (1,580 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Packard Custom Super Eight

In 1951 and 1952, the automaker attempted to use a numeric naming structure that designated Packard's least expensive models as Packard 200 and 200 Deluxe while two-door hardtop and convertibles were designated Packard 250 and its mid-range sedan the Packard 300.^{[1] [3] [4]}

The highest trim level available was the Packard Patrician 400^[5] which replaced the previous model year's Custom Super 8 model range. It was easily identified from other Packards by its stainless steel trim, including a brightwork extension on the top rear fender referred to as "the fishtail". In 1951 the model featured three chrome ports on its rear fenders and in 1952 the car featured four chrome ports, a styling approach similar to GM's Buick luxury vehicles. 300s and 400s also sported a slightly revised grille which included chrome "teeth" in its oval area in 1951. That change occurred to the 250 series soon after introduction.

When the Packard body style was updated for 1951, the door handle was concealed and aligned with the chrome beltline that surrounded the side windows, bottom of the windshield and rear window.

The Patrician 400 was available only as a premium four-door sedan, outfitted with high-grade upholstery and chrome trimming within. For the 1952 model year, Packard retained the services of noted interior decorator Dorothy Draper to bring a fresh look to the interior color scheme. Wilton carpeting and hassock-style rear passenger foot rests were also included with the car. With a list price of $3,662 ($44,362 in 2024 dollars ^[6]) it also was the most expensive senior Packard offered. The automobile rode upon a 127 in (3,226 mm) wheelbase shared only with the 300 sedan. All other Packards had a wheelbase of 122 in (3,099 mm).

Power still came from Packard's venerable 327 cu in (5.4 L) in-line eight-cylinder engine, delivering 150 bhp (112 kW). The Patrician's iteration of the 327 featured nine main bearings instead of five as in other models, without increase in power.

Until 1954, Henney built a few nine-passenger Executive Sedans and Corporate Limousines on a chassis with 148 in (3,759 mm) wheelbase. Derham in Rosemont built very few Patrician Custom Formal Sedans with leather padded roofs, small backlights and elaborate interiors on the standard Patrician frame.

Introduction of the Patrician 400 was, together with most other Packards (250s were delayed), in August 1950. Production totals for 1951 came to 9,001 Patrician 400 units, and 3,975 units for 1952.

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  1951 Packard Patrician 400^[1]
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  1952 Packard Patrician 400
• 
  1952 Packard Patrician 400 (rear)

1953-1954
1953 Packard Patrician
Overview
Manufacturer	Packard
Production	1953–1954
Designer	John Reinhart[2]
Body and chassis
Body style	Sedan
Layout	FR
Related	Packard Caribbean Packard Pacific
Powertrain
Engine	327 cu in (5.4 L) Packard straight-eight
Transmission	2-speed Ultramatic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	127 in (3,226 mm) (sedan) 149 in (3,785 mm) (limousine)
Length	218.2 in (5,542 mm) (sedan) 240.2 in (6,101 mm) (limousine)
Width	77.9 in (1,979 mm) (sedan & limousine)
Height	62.9 in (1,598 mm) (sedan & limousine)
Curb weight	4,335 lb (1,966 kg) (sedan) 4,720 lb (2,140 kg) (limousine)

The "400" designation was removed for the 1953 model year, and the Patrician continued to represent Packard's highest trim level sedans. It rode on the 127 in (3,226 mm) wheelbase chassis. The Patrician also was used for the basis of the custom bodied Henney passenger models, including the 149 in (3,785 mm) 8-passenger Packard Executive Sedans and Limousines, the difference being that the latter had a partition window between the front and rear compartments. During these years the Patrician received annual trim changes and improvements associated with model-year change-overs in the 1950s.^[1] The 1953 Packard Patrician 4-door sedan was listed at US$3,740 ($43,954 in 2024 dollars ^[6]) while the all-new Packard Corporate Executive 8-passenger 4-door limousine was listed at US$7,100 ($83,443 in 2024 dollars ^[6]).^[1]

The Henney professional cars (hearse, ambulance, flower car, service car) built on the 156 in (3,962 mm) wheelbase commercial chassis generally used Patrician-like trim except for 1954, which used Cavalier-like trim, and was offered in a hardtop body style called the Packard Pacific. Since the professional cars were fully coachbuilt bodies (not conversions) built on Packard's separate commercial chassis, their trim level had little to do with the Patrician except for the general appearance. The Henney Junior, a short-wheelbase hearse or ambulance was built on the standard Cavalier-Patrician chasses (but with stronger, heavy-duty rear suspension) but had the 5-main bearing Cavalier engine rather than the 9-main bearing engine of the Patrician.

For 1953, the Patrician used the same 327-cubic-inch (5.4 L) 9-main bearing straight eight engine that used for 1951 and 1952 but for the first time added a four barrel carburetor for an increase in power, along with the availability of optional power steering and "Easamatic" power brakes. For 1954, the new 359-cubic-inch (5.9 L) 9-main bearing, aluminum head 212 hp (158 kW) engine was standard and also featured a 4-barrel carburetor. 1954 was the first year to add a start-position to the ignition key - earlier years were started by a switch built into the carburetor which was actuated by depressing the accelerator pedal to the floor.

A general description implies that all Patrician models were fitted out with standard equipment when in fact they could be built to order. If a customer wanted a manual transmission then that is what he or she would be given by the factory.^{[citation needed]}

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  1954 Packard Patrician
• 
  1954 Packard Patrician (rear)