1952 Packard 300 news, pictures, and information

Introduced in 1951, the Packard 300 was a representation of the upper mid-range Packard model, built as a four-door sedan and sold by the Packard Motor Car Company. The Packard Company was based in Detroit, Michigan and was a company built on a reputation for the finest American automobiles. A continuing line of vehicles that represent the best quality possible, the Packard Company began in 1899.

Providing better appointments than the Packard 250 series or the Packard 200, the 300 featured Packard's 127' wheelbase. Sharing the same basic trim accoutrements as the 200 and 205 models, the Packard 300 also featured stripped interior fabrics, tinted windows and robe rail for backseat passengers. The 300 also showcased a wrap around rear window which was shared with the premiere Packard Patrician 400. Full wheel covers were on display on the outside, and of course, Packard's long-neck swan hood ornament.

Packard's admirable inline 8 cylinder engine was the source of power for both years that the Packard 300 was produced. Standard in this vehicle was a three-speed manual, along with the option of Packard's Ultramatic automatic transmission.

Throughout their two years on the market, a grand total of 22,309 Packard 300's were produced. Following Packard's slow move away from strict numeric model naming structure, the 300 was renamed the Packard Cavalier in 1954.

Unfortunately during the 1930's competition grew fierce, and following the postwar period, the Packard company found more of the market switching to smaller cars that were as large as the Packard. Sales dropped drastically by the 1950's and eventually Packard was forced to discontinue their big car line completely. The Packard was a pioneering vehicle that outlasted most of its contemporaries.

Jessica Donaldson

Vehicle Spotlight