101 The Packard Cormorant: 2018, Number 173 “The Long and Winding Road of the Packard Pan Americans” By Leon Dixon Background Leon Dixon, pre-eminent Packard historian and author wrote about Henney and what he called the “first series Monte Carlos” in a 2018 article that appeared in the Packard Cormorant about another Arbib Packard show car – the Packard Pan American. He discusses the role of Feldmann who had just purchased Henney in 1949 and Hugh Ferry – who had just been promoted to President of Packard in 1949 as well. The two leaders were new to their job, and successful in their careers. The time was ripe for change. Excerpt From Article “Henney’s CEO, Charles Russell Feldmann, wisely surveyed the business climate (postwar business climate) and made his move. In doing so, Feldmann approached Packard’s Hugh Ferry with a proposal that held great possibilities for both companies. Feldmann’s plan was to persuade Packard to allow Henney to design and build a real “image” car. This car would be so stunning and introduced in such a clever way that it would get extraordinary notice. If handled wisely, this image car could even be coveted by luxury car buyers. Such a car could have nearly infinite potential for good publicity and could restore Packard’s place in the upper hierarchy of luxury cars. It could be marketed as a separate line in a sports / luxury vein. And while doing so, the car could provide a strong up-tick in Henney’s bottom line and prestige. Packard was still trying to determine what part it would play in the free-for-all taking place in the postwar automotive realm. By the early 1950s, the car business was at a fever pitch in some regards, but to profit from it meant taking chances and being at the right place at the right time. The window of opportunity would be open only for so long but with the right approach, the time was ripe for Henney.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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