59 Part 3: Old Cars Magazine—December 15, 2024 Henney Hires Richard Arbib Henney had an exclusive relationship with Packard producing their professional cars (limos, ambulances, hearses and flower cars) starting in the late 1930s. But after the war, changes across America were abundant as were opportunities. This was no different for the Henney Motor Company of Freeport, Illinois. In 1946, Henney was purchased by Charles Russell Feldmann who wanted to expand their vision. By 1949, Feldmann set his sights on building something new for Packard – something that would get both Packard’s and the public’s attention – a Packard show car. To achieve this goal they brought a young new designer on board – 31-year-old Richard Arbib, a designer who he had experience working with while both were in New York. Arbib came to Henney as Henney’s new styling consultant but armed with extensive experience. He graduated from the School of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute in the late 1930s and immediately began working for the General Motors Styling Department. During the war, he became an armament specialist for Republic Aviation. After the war ended, he returned to Detroit to work directly for Harley Earl of General Motors. During the late 40s, Arbib also worked for Argus cameras, U.S. Royal Tires, Union Pacific interior and Benrus watches. By 1949, he ended his relationship with General Motors and began working as a consultant for Henney designing Packard’s professional cars.
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