83 Richard Arbib: A Car Is Born—The Pan American Debuts Note: The following article about Richard Arbib appeared in Herb Shriner’s 1952 “International Motor Sports Show” program. Arbib was the Art Director for both of Shriner’s 1952 and 1953 shows. Coincidently these were also the years that Packard released their Arbib designed / Henney built show cars: the Pan American in 1952 and the Monte Carlo in 1953. Arbib did advertising posters for both events (see previous pages) and the program cover for each show too. And most importantly, his Packard Pan American show car debuted at this show in 1952. A Car Is Born: 1952 International Motor Sports Show Program Dream cars and cars of the future have been shown to the public before. For the first time publicly anywhere, the Pan-American sports convertible is being shown at the International Motor Sports Show. This is the first car of its type actually available to the American public on a limited production schedule. This dream car come true, embodying the low, sleek lines of continental styling, is mounted on a standard American chassis which can be serviced anywhere throughout the country. The uppermost question in the mind of anyone who views this free-flowing design must be, “How did this car come about?” Primarily interested in an automobile which a select group of sportsmen and car buyers who demand something exclusive that is still within the realm of good taste, Packard combined with Henney Motor Company, custom body builders for nearly a century, to produce the prototype features at this show. As styling consultant to Henney, Richard Arbib, whose creative works have won him international renown within automotive circles, first set up the basic specifications for the styling solution represented by this car. Realizing that custom tastes impose a limitation on decorative trim, the sculptural beauty of the Packard sports car was emphasized by reducing the height and simplifying all trim parts so that a minimum of chromium was necessary. Such chrome parts as have been included represent a feeling of luxury without overplaying the role. The Henney Company Custom body builders to the President of the United States, have finished the car with the ultimate in craftsmanship in terms of finish, genuine leather accoutrements and infinite attention to detail. The man responsible for the birth of the idea that grew into the new Packard graduated from Pratt Institute, School of Industrial Design, and completed a one year course in automobile styling at General Motors Corporation. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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