In the rich history of the American automobile industry, one name stands out: Packard. For years, the Packard Motor Car Company produced vehicles that were regarded as the finest, offering a diverse lineup of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and limousines, along with an extensive range of Custom coachwork. Packard was not the most expensive brand—Duesenberg held that title—nor the fastest, as Stutz often claimed that honor. However, Packard earned universal admiration for crafting luxury cars that were fast, sleek, stylish, quiet, durable, and reliable. They combined all the attributes luxury buyers desired into one exquisite package, built with pride and exceptional quality. Renowned for its legendary engineering, Packard was managed as one of the best-run businesses globally—solid, profitable, and dependable. The company's stock was highly coveted, and its management was widely respected. Often described as cars "built by gentlemen for gentlemen," Packards dominated the luxury market from the 1920s to the early 1950s, leaving Cadillac and Lincoln struggling to keep up. This book by Patrick Foster chronicles the rise and fall of this iconic marque, detailing the remarkable cars it produced and the legacy it established.
Patrick R. Foster Ordre des livres (chronologique)
Pack your 8-tracks and platform shoes and hustle back to a decade when muscle cars died, economy cars were born, and disco was the dance. While 1970 ushered in some of the finest and fasted cars ever, regulations and gas prices turned muscle into economy. Award-winning author Patrick R. Foster guides readers on a trip through a tumultuous decade in automotive history. Witness the demise of big block gas-guzzlers and convertibles and the near-demise of the Chrysler Corporation. Relive the birth of the American subcompact, custom vans, t-tops and a new aesthetic. Remember Pintos, Pacers, Vegas, X-bodies, and the proliferation of front-wheel drive—hallmarks of the 70s auto-evolution. Foster doesn’t stop with the hot cars. To put it all into perspective, he stops along the way to sample the music, movies and manias that made the 70s sensational. -A fabulous decade of American automobile history.-More than 400 photos of the decade’s greatest cars and culture, including movies, music and trends.