1951 Packard 200 Henney

When it came to the production of ambulances and hearses there was really no other name other than Henney Motor Co. Partnering with Packard, Henney would also create an incredible line of limousines. One of those remarkable estate vehicles would be the 1951 Packard Henney.

In the mid-1800s, Jacob Henney would make his way from native Pennsylvania to Illinois. Building top-of-the-line carriages, Henney's reputation would grow. Most of the company's line of vehicles would be commercial vehicles, including funeral coaches.

The coming of the automobile would prove to be another opportunity for Henney. However, because of the company's experience building commercial vehicles, the company would be the perfect entity to build such motorized vehicles.

By the 1920s, Henney was America's best-known manufacturer in the funeral car trade. In addition to the funeral car trade, Henney would continue building ambulances. However, around the same time, Henney would build approximately 30 limousines.

Throughout this time, and into the 1930s, Henney and Packard would combine to build these commercial efforts. Packard would provide the chassis and mechanicals. Henney would then construct its own bodies to fit overtop. This relationship would last right up through the 1950s.

In 1951, Packard would provide Henney with a '200' business coupe. This would be the lowest-price coupe Packard would offer in 1951. However, Henney would combine the 200 with a senior sedan to the business coupe body. Grafting the two bodies together, Henney would create a large, multi-purpose vehicle. Complete with such details as Patrician instrumentation, Packard's top-of-the-line, the 1951 Packard Henney would be complete and ready for use. Part of the features of the Packard Henney would be the NU-3-Way design that incorporated side-opening doors that allowed easy side access. In addition, the interior would be obviously spacious and appointed with many amenities.

This particular example is believed to have been originally used as a Canadian embassy car. The car's original color was believed to be solid black with a black padded roof that retracts over the rear compartment to allow officials to stand during parades and other such functions.

Owned by Ralph and Adeline Marano, this 1951 Packard Henney would be purchased from a funeral director's estate in Texas. A thorough restoration would be performed upon receipt of the car and the result is a grand expression of the partnership between Packard and Henney.

Sources:
'Packard Advertisements: 1950-1958', (http://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=11394). Packard Information. http://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=11394. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

'Coachbuilt: Henney', (http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/h/henney/henney.htm). Coachbuilt.com. http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/h/henney/henney.htm. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

Ernst, Kurt. 'Unrestored Packard Henney Hearse to Cross the Block in Philadelphia', (http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/09/20/unrestored-packard-henney-hearse-to-cross-the-block-in-philadelphia/). Hemmings Daily: World's Leading Classic Car News Source. http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/09/20/unrestored-packard-henney-hearse-to-cross-the-block-in-philadelphia/. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

By Jeremy McMullen