Orphan of the Day, 07-16, 1956 Packard Predictor

[EssexExport]

Like unreal.

[Dougie]

Headlights: 63-67 Corvette
Hood: 63-67 Corvette
Grille: 70's Bonneville (somewhat exaggerated)
Roof: 58-60 Lincoln
Tail fins: 58 Plymouth

I guess it really was a Predictor.

[skyway]

FYI, At our last meeting the Missouri-Illinois chapter voted to "adopt" the SNM's Predictor!

[ddub]

Was this an actual running, driving car? Many concept cars weren't. I recall it also when the GTs came out, it was said the GT roof was copied from the Tbird. Studebaker claimed the Predictor was the influence. Which do you believe?

[studegary]

Was this an actual running, driving car? Many concept cars weren't. I recall it also when the GTs came out, it was said the GT roof was copied from the Tbird. Studebaker claimed the Predictor was the influence. Which do you believe?

Thunderbird

[southbend]

Headlights: 63-67 Corvette
Hood: 63-67 Corvette
Grille: 70's Bonneville (somewhat exaggerated)
Roof: 58-60 Lincoln
Tail fins: 58 Plymouth

I guess it really was a Predictor.

Grille: '58 and '59 Edsel, too!

[Packard53]

The Predictor was an actual running show car. I have pictures of the Predictor from 1999 Packard meet at Warren Ohio.
John S.

[WinM1895]

1955 Lincoln Futura 'dream car' was modified by George Barris, became the Batmobile of the TV show. At some point Barris acquired the Futura, I remember seeing it parked in deplorable condition outside on the weedy parkway in front of Barris' shop in North Hollywood.

First (and only) president of the Edsel Division was James J. Nance, former Packard president.

FoMoCo expected to sell 200,000 Edsel's in 1958, but only 64,110 were sold. Nance was fired, the Edsel Division was then folded into the Lincoln/Mercury Division, forming M-E-L.

1958 Edsel front end mimics 1957 'stillborn' Packard. Grille changed from Packard ox yoke to Edsel horse collar, side grilles remained the same as did the parking lamps, bumper guards modified, headlamps lost their hoods.

The last pics in "The Packard Story" by Robert Turnquist show 1957 'stillborn' Packard, compare the front end with the 1958 Edsel.

Brooks Stevens, who styled the 1962 GT Hawk, said he used the T-Bird roofline.

[clonelark]

Looks like the Big 3 stole ideas from it, 59 gm windshield 58 Mercury rear window and an Edsel grille. 57 Plymouth Fins.

[Warren Webb]

Another feature later copied was the "Breezeway" back glass used on Mercurys around 64.

[8E45E]

Another feature later copied was the "Breezeway" back glass used on Mercurys around 64.

The Anglia was the first Ford to have a reverse-slant rear window in 1959. And the 1953 Packard Balboa predated the Predictor with the same reverse-slant rear window, bit I don't think it lowered.

Craig

[WinM1895]

The Anglia was the first Ford to have a reverse-slant rear window in 1959.

And the 1953 Packard Balboa predated the Predictor with the same reverse-slant rear window, but I don't think it lowered.

Packard Balboa rear window is fixed.

FoMoCo reverse slant power rear window found on the following: 1957/58 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser / 1958/60 Lincoln Continental Mark III/IV/V / 1963/67 Mercury Monterey 'Breezeaway' sedan.

[8E45E]

Packard Balboa rear window is fixed

Not according to the literature on it: http://vintagecarsamerica.com/images...28_02_full.jpg

Craig

[WinM1895]

Not according to the literature on it: http://vintagecarsamerica.com/images...28_02_full.jpg

Craig

I read that same piece of literature over 40 years ago, the plan was to have a movable rear window, but it didn't happen. The Balboa exists, so if you get a chance to look at it...you'll find the window is fixed.

In the mid 1980's, Ford offered a power sliding (up/down) rear window kit for Super Cabs as a dealer installed accessory. I've seen two of the kits and one that was installed.

The Nissan Titan pickups power sliding rear window is also an up and downer.

[8E45E]

In the mid 1980's, Ford offered a power sliding (up/down) rear window kit for Super Cabs as a dealer installed accessory. I've seen two of the kits and one that was installed.

The Ford SportTracs had them from the factory, and they often reminded one of those late 50's Continentals and mid-sixties Mercs with the two fixed end panels. Of course, many cars from the 1920's with rumble seats had a rear window that lowered. One of the first postwar cars with a lowering rear window was the Austin Atlantic.

Craig