1958 Packard 4 Door Sedan

Available now is this rare 1958 Packard 4 Door Sedan finished in all black with white top and chrome accents all around. The car rides on wide white wall tires with chrome Packard hubcaps on steel wheels. Interior of this car is in very good condition for its age and being an unrestored example. The Packard is powered by a 289 V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission featuring power steering and power brakes. The car is a "barn find" but it does run and drive and would take very little tlc to make completely roadworthy. The car was last registered and driven daily back in 2011 and passed its last NY state safety inspection in 2009.

This is an excellent opportunity to own one of the final production Packards.

Packard ceased production of cars in 1958 due to financial difficulties. The company had been struggling for several years and was unable to compete with the Big Three automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler).

Here are some of the factors that led to Packard's demise:

High production costs: Packard's cars were built to a higher standard than those of the Big Three automakers, which made them more expensive to produce.

Changing consumer tastes: In the late 1950s, American consumers were shifting their preference towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Packard's large, luxury cars were no longer in high demand.

Poor management: Packard's management made a number of decisions that contributed to the company's downfall. For example, they decided to merge with Studebaker in 1954, which proved to be a disaster.

The last Packard rolled off the assembly line on July 25, 1958. The company's assets were sold to Studebaker, which continued to produce cars under the Packard name for a few more years. However, Packard's legacy as a luxury automaker came to an end in 1962.

The demise of Packard is a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the importance of adapting to changing market conditions. It is also a reminder of the rich history of American automotive manufacturing.