What is this bird?
The famous pelican mascot appeared on the Packards in 1929. The pelican was on the family coat of arms of the company founder. But in 1939, the company suddenly began to call the pelican … cormorant. But these are different birds, albeit from the same family.
The most loyal fans of the brand were outraged that the bird was renamed. We would care about them! But somehow in 1951 the statuette was again called a pelican.
In the video on the Packard 180 limousine – already a cormorant. Since the car was released in 1941. By the way, this model was made only from 1940 to 1942.
Instead of the oldest
The Packard 180 replaced the legendary Packard Twelve with a V12 engine as the company’s flagship. Such cars were also in the Kremlin’s special garage. But by the end of the 1930s, the production of the top model became unprofitable. And the most important was the Packard 180 with an in-line “eight”.
Outwardly, the cars of the 180th family did not differ much from the younger models. Many believed that this was the beginning of the end of a great company. But it was still a decade and a half before the collapse.
In 1941, the factory built almost 73 thousand cars. However, Packard 180 – only 930. In addition, this model was offered with ten bodies. There were even two seven-seat limousines.
Under the hood is an in-line “eight” with an output of 160-165 hp.
Looking for ten differences
It was the Packard 180 that became the model for the future post-war Soviet limousine, which was given the name ZIS-110. Two cars have been specially brought to the Union and have been carefully studied at the HIS. After all, the Packards were loved by the country’s main customer – Stalin. And Soviet designers and artists were given a clear direction for their work.
However, none of the Packard and ZIS body parts are interchangeable. For example, ZIS does not have spare parts cases on the wings and wide steps that are already obsolete in the early 1940s. There are many more differences in appearance and interior. Although the American style is of course visible to the naked eye.
A powerful Packard frame with an X-shaped amplifier was copied practically “one to one” in Moscow. Engine ZIS-110 with a power of 140 horsepower also – the direct heir to the American 8-cylinder in-line engine with a capacity of 5.8 liters. By the way, the “eight” Packard was known as the most powerful in the United States. And apparently it was. For the Cadillac V8 the power was stated as 150 hp and for the Packard engine 160-165 hp.
Kingdom of Packard
In a limousine with luxurious velvet seats, two radios – one in the front, the other in the trunk, controlled from the back seat. Almost for the first time in history, all door windows and the glass of the limousine partition are electrically hydraulic.
There are also a few watches: back – very nice mechanical, front – with power supply. There’s even a fan speed control for the rear heating system.
Three gears and five speeds
The ZIS-110 gearbox is a direct analogue of the American one, also in terms of gear ratios. But with one important difference: the Packard unit has an overdrive – overdrive.
The device works in both 2nd and 3rd gear. When you release and press the pedal again and the corresponding green light on the divider panel lights up, an overdrive is automatically engaged. As it turns out, five speeds in a three-speed box.
The device can also be turned off. Then an engine of almost 6 liters Packard only gives tractor traction.
Living Classic
Packard 180 is not just a car, but a work of art. Not only design, but also engineering.
But at the same time it is not a museum exhibition, but a living, driving car. Even to touch such a masterpiece, and even more so to try it on the way, is a gift of fate.
It was this luxurious American car that Soviet engineers and stylists had to copy. But they behaved… cunningly.
