3 An All New Packard Design For 1948 After World War II, Packard wanted a fresh, new look and body re-design began immediately. This change would embrace automotive industry trends and emphasize smooth contours, minimal chrome and a long flowing roofline. This new shape would define all Packard automobiles from 1948 through 1950. The first Packard automobiles with this new design were convertibles – the Super 8 and the Custom 8. The 1948 Super 8 convertible debuted in August 1947 and quickly made an impact. This stylish, streamlined car was recognized as “Car of the Year” by the New York Fashion Academy – an influential organization tied to automobile manufacturers across the world. But by early 1949 (two years after this styling appeared) this streamlined look—often referred to as “bathtub styling" - started to lose its’ appeal. Manufacturers knew they were going to have to change. But in what direction? Fortunately, one of Packard’s business partners, Henney Motor Company, had an answer. Henney was a coachbuilder from Freeport Illinois and worked exclusively with Packard in the pre and postwar years. They focused on designing and building “professional” cars for Packard which included ambulances, hearses, flower cars and limousines. After World War II, they saw an opportunity to expand their work with Packard by designing a specialty car—something that would get the attention of the elite Packard customer. Something they could build exclusively for Packard. To this end, in early 1949 Henney added an industrial designer to their team - Richard Arbib. To showcase his talents for Packard, Arbib was tasked with enhancing the styling of the 1948 Packard in small ways that could make a big difference. Ultimately, Arbib created his first Packard design for Henney and named his design the “Monte Carlo.” This was the first car designed by Richard Arbib that took “full form”. Design work began in the spring of 1949 when the 22nd Series Packards were still being sold. Two donor 22nd Series cars were acquired from Packard – a 1948 Super 8 convertible (120” wheelbase). and a 1948 Packard Custom 8 convertible (127” wheelbase).
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