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1955 Packard Request

Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Dick Teague showing off the Packard Request. Photo courtesy Amelia Island Concours.
Dick Teague showing off the Packard Request. Photo courtesy Amelia Island Concours.
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Packard Request, 1955 - Special Interest Autos #83, October 1984
Images: www.automotivehistoryonline.com; blog.hemmings.com
Rating:  52    -47    +99
Designer - Dick Macadam.
Due to a steady flow of requests to bring out a modern interpretation of its classic pre-war grille, Packard developed the "Request" prototype and debuted it at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show. Based on the 1955 Packard 400 two-door hardtop, the front design on the Request dream car did characterize the traditional grille, and the car also wore custom-built split bumpers and modified front sheet metal. Creative Industries constructed the one-of-a-kind Request for Packard, and the handsome 2-tone exterior was painted in pearlescent white, with copper-colored top and side accent strips


A third Creative-Packard project was the 1955 Packard Request show car which debuted at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show. Packard had received a number of requests to bring out an up-to-date version of their pre-1951 classic-era radiator and decided to placate the critics with their "Request", hence the 1955 Request show car.

Designed by Dick Teague, the Request was built using a modified Patrician with a new front end treatment utilizing a classic-era Packard-style grill separated by two massive front bumpers. The vehicle’s hood and fenders were molded using reinforced Plaskon polyester resin, a product of the Barrett Division of Allied Chemical. In a 1978 interview with Leon Dixon, Creative’s Gary Hutchings recalled: "We had a heck of a time finding a place with tanks big enough to plate those huge front bumpers. We finally got ’em done over in Hamtramck (a Detroit suburb)."
Source: www.chicagoautoshow.com; www.coachbuilt.com
Comments
DON MORGAN
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
sharp packard,was any change made to rear of car?
the front looks good.another great car that got
a bad deal.the best cars finished last.power &
money talks.
don morgan-OHIO
OHIO REGION STUDEBAKER CLUB.
THIS SITE IS GREAT ALSO 1/27/09
Robert Travis
Monday, August 23, 2010
I was given a ride in a restored Request several years ago. The car has since been sold to a collector in California. I still have 3 color pictures taken while the car was in Pasco, Washington. I will gladly forward them to other Packard admirers.
Chuck
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The grille reminds me a little like the Edsel.I think if it would have been about half as tall and a little wider the proportions would have been better.Chuck
marc dail
Saturday, November 12, 2011
how many Packard Requests were made?
Karen Dopps
Thursday, April 12, 2012
There was only one Packard Request made Marc. It sat in my driveway until I sold it after my husband passed away in 2006.
Chuck
Thursday, April 19, 2012
I think Packard should have used the Request grille cut down to maybe two thirds height with two side grilles instead of the wide mouth they used in'55 and'56. Maybe not enough chrome? Chuck
Chuck
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Maybe not side grilles,the bumpers are imposing ehough.The front would fit a'50's lixury car.Chuck
BEN EATON
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Where is it now?
Leon Dixon
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I have no idea why the name of "Ghia" is included with this piece since that firm had absolutely no connection to The Request whatsoever. This car was entirely constructed in Detroit, Michigan and some friends I knew actually constructed the car for Packard.

Many years later I supplied some parts for the restoration to the partners in the restoration and I have photos of myself with the car right after it was first restored. I also have all of the original factory photos from Packard and Creative Industries where it was actually built. It is now in the Ralph Marano collection in New Jersey.
jim
Sunday, November 25, 2012
car is in collection of Ralph Marano
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