1951 Packards - General

Packard realized that a redesign was necessary back in 1949, however the Company was not used nor equipped for rapid model redesign. It took a massive effort to develop and introduce the quite modern 1951 Series 24 cars. Also recognized was that the extended wheelbase cars were passé and as such, we dropped. Only 122" and 127" chassis were now offered, reducing manufacturing and inventory expenses. But tooling costs would have to be recovered quickly to allow a newer series in just a few years, thus sales would have to be outstanding in 1951 and 1952.

Thus, on August 24, 1950, the all-new 24th Series Packards were introduced. Styling was quite a leap and much more contemporary of the Big Three brands for the early 1950s on these cars - designed by John Reinhart. And according to sales literature, "Packards, for 1951, are only 5-foot 2-1/2 inches high, for in-the-groove roadability with 'hats on' headroom in front and back. New low hoods and high crown fenders give the outlook of a sports car."

A big move was to change Model Series numbers.  Now the Base Series was labeled "200" in place of "Standard", followed by "250" in place of "DeLuxe", "300" in place of "Super" and "Super DeLuxe", and "400" in place of "Custom". Gone was the 356 cid eight in the top of the line 400; the 400 would now use the old 356 cid engine with the cid reduced to 327 cid, however with the compression ratio increased to 7.8:1 to deliver more power.

On October 12, 1950 the Society of Motion Picture Art Directors acclaimed the 24th Series Packard as "the most beautiful car of the year." The mid-year two-door hardtop sports coupe was  introduced and called the "Mayfair".  A total of 100,312 Packards were delivered to buyers for the 1951 model run - this was a stunning success and justified the styling and engineering changes. Calendar year totals were counted at 76.075 cars, good for 16th position on industry sales charts.

A Packard 200 sedan had an average fuel consumption of 22.023 miles per gallon while participating in the 1951 Mobilgas Economy Run. This was better than 12 other entries in the same class, many of whom had modern, overhead valve engines. Unfortunately, this would send a bad signal to Packard engineers.

An experimental "Phantom II" Sports car was constructed for Packard design chief Ed Macauley on a highly-modified Club Sedan. It featured a long, wide hood scoop; wide, ribbed bright metal underscores; similarly ribbed fender skirts; custom concentric circle wheel discs; hardtop coupe styling and two-place seating.

Packard Models -

1951 200 (288 cid 8-CYL) - SERIES 24
The base model range was now the Packard 200 line, identified by a single strip of chrome across the front fenders and door and a 'toothless' grille. A low, single-fin hood ornament was fitted. The "200 DeLuxe" was further distinguished by chrome wheel rings and turn indicators as part of the tail lamps and in the front fascia. 200 models sat on a 122" wheelbase. Standard equipment on the 200 (and all Packards) included twin horns, two sun visors, two variable speed windshield wipers, horn blow ring, front and rear bumper guards, jack and tools.

1951 250 (327 cid 8-CYL) - SERIES 24
The Packard 250 utilized the same 122" wheelbase and platform as the 200, and carried the same series number (2401) but the 327 cubic inch straight eight was fitted instead of the 288 cid unit. This was considered the "sporty" line and their convertible and Packard's first hardtop coupe (the "Mayfair") were the exclusive to 250 line and e only models offered .

Trim identifying the 250 was chrome moldings across the front fender and door plus four "jet louver" ornaments on the rear fender. A toothed grille insert and pelican hood mascot were also part of the 250's trim. More colorful and richer upholstery was used for these "sporty" models. Fender skirts were standard on both.

1951 300 (327 cid 8-CYL) - SERIES 24
The Packard 300 was only offered in 4-door sedan trim, and like the upscale 400, sat on a 127" wheelbase. The 300's styling cues were a straight chrome molding running horizontally across the rear doors, rear fenders and up to the taillights. Double lens tail amps were used.

A wide variety of interior trims was provided. Standard equipment included all Packard 200 features plus oil bath air cleaner, tilt-type glare proof rear view mirror, chrome plated wheel discs, trunk compartment light, and "robe rail".

1951 400 "Patrician" (327 cid 8-CYL) - SERIES 24
The Patrician was the replacement for the "Custom" Eight, however only one wheelbase was offered, 127". It was identified by wide, vertically ribbed, chrome gravel shields on the lower front of the rear fender where it had the "bulge", three "jet louvers" in the middle of rear fenders, a chrome spear high on front fenders and doors, another chrome spear running from the gravel shield to the extreme rear of the car, chrome, finned moldings atop rear fenders, and horizontal double lens tail lamps.

A wraparound style back window provided a hardtop roof look. The grille insert had vertical "teeth", and the tip of the hood featured the now famous "cormorant" hood  ornament. Luxurious "fashion forum" interiors were featured, with special carpeting. A chrome-plated steering column was fitted. All the features of the Packard 300 were part of the standard equipment, as well as cloisonné wheel cover center medallions.

Packard Engines

• 200 Series Eight. lnline. L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: 288 cid. Bore and stroke: 2.50" x 3.75". Manual Transmission: Compression ratio: 7.0:1 Horsepower: 135 @ 3600 RPM Torque 230 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Ultramatic Transmission: Compression ratio: 7.5:1 Horsepower: 138 @ 3600 RPM Torque 230 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Solid valve lifters. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WGD two-barrel model 7845.
  
  
• 250 and 300 Series Eight (Optional in the 200). Inline, L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.50" x 4.25". Manual transmission: Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 150 @ 3600 RPM Torque 270 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Ultramatic Transmission: Compression ratio: 7.8:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 3600 RPM. Torque 275 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Hydraulic valve lifters. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WGD two-barrel Model 767S.
  
  
• 400 Series Eight. Inline, L-Head Eight. Cast iron block. Displacement: Displacement: 327 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.5"0 x 4.25". Compression ratio: 7.8:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 3600 RPM. Torque 275 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Nine main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type WGD two-barrel Model 767S.

Chassis

• Wheelbase: 200 and 250 = 122"; 300 and 400 =  127".
• Overall length: 200 and 250 = 209.375"; 300 and 400 = 217.75".
• Front tread:  200 and 300 = 59.5";  250 and 400 = 60".
• Rear tread: 200 and 300 = 60.719";  250 and 400 = 61.219".
• Tires: 200 = 7.60 x 15; 250, 300, 400 = 8.00 x 15.

Powertrain Options

• Overdrive transmissions ($100).
• Ultramatic Drive was standard in Patrician 400s, optional on other models ($189). When equipped with Ultramatic, the Packard 300 was delivered with a 7.8:1 high-compression head that increased the horsepower to Series 400 levels, however it was not the 400 Series engine as that 327 cid engine was the old 356 with a shorter, 4.25" stroke - it had nine main bearings. When equipped with Ultramatic transmission, the Packard 200 was delivered with a 7.5:1 high-compression head that  increased output of the 288 cid motor to 138 horsepower. 
• 327 cubic inch Packard 300 engine was a ($45) option on 200 models.
• Oil bath air cleaner ($9).
• Oil filter ($12).

Note: the 327 cubic inch Patrician 400 engine could not be made optional in other lines because it was too long to fit in the 122" wheelbase chassis.

Significant Options

• Heater and defroster ($77).
• Signal-Seeking radio with electric antenna and rear speaker ($125.80).
• Rear fender skirts ($21).
• Cloisonné wheel hub shell covers ($16).
• Pelican hood ornament ($13).
• Windshield washer ($9).
• Foam cushion rear seat ($12).
• Backup lights and trunk light ($14).
• Robe cord ($12).
• Two-tone finish ($20).
• Genuine leather trim ($153).
• Rear window wiper.
• Exterior sunshade.
• Traffic light view-finder.
• Visor vanity mirrors.
• Emergency brake alarm.
• Tissue dispenser.
• Road and fog lamps.
• Vent shades.
• License plate frame.
• Gas door guard. Door edge guards.
• Spare tire valve extension.
• Extension rear view mirror.
• Fuse Kit.
• Trouble light.
• Exhaust deflector.
• Wheel blocks.
• Curb feelers.
• Spotlight.
• Under hood lamps.
• Whitewall tires. ($28 exchange).

Note: Several cases have been documented where extra 'jet louvers' were added to Patrician 400s (and possibly other models) by Packard dealers.