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The 1952 Packard Panther — also known as the Macauley Special Speedster or Packard Panther Macauley — was a one-off, personal luxury sports car built for Edward Macauley, Packard’s Director of Styling in 1951 Conceptcarz.com+1. It was part of a series of experimental, two‑seat roadsters created to refresh Packard’s image and showcase design ideas that would later influence production models like the Pan American and Caribbean Custom Rodder.
Design and Build
Designer: Dick Teague, via Mitchell‑Bentley Corporation Conceptcarz.com+1
Chassis: Based on a 1951 Packard 200 Deluxe Sedan, with a 122‑inch wheelbaseConceptcarz.com
Body: One‑piece fiberglass molding, low‑slung and aerodynamic, with extensive chrome trim Conceptcarz.com
Firsts: First Packard to feature a wrap‑around windshield (later adopted in 1955) Conceptcarz.com+1
Unique features: Dual exhausts, rear wiper, special side chrome, and a two‑seat configuration Conceptcarz.com
Powertrain
Engine: 359 cu in (5.9 L) Packard straight‑eight, McCulloch supercharged to ~275 hp Conceptcarz.com+1
Suspension/Brakes: Independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi‑elliptical leaf springs, four‑wheel drum brakes Conceptcarz.com
History
The Panther was conceived as a personal “sportsman” car, but Macauley’s vision included experimental features that would later appear in Packard’s high‑end models Conceptcarz.com. In the 1950s, it was owned by opera singer James Melton, who replaced the original engine and transmission with Chrysler units and repainted it deep blue Conceptcarz.com+1. The car was later found in poor condition and restored over three years, with the original supercharged engine recovered and reinstated Conceptcarz.com.
Significance
While not a production model, the 1952 Panther was a design laboratory for Packard, blending personal luxury with sporty styling. It influenced later Packard concepts like the 1954 Panther Daytona and the Pan American Wikipedia+1. Its combination of custom bodywork, advanced features for the time, and Macauley’s personal involvement made it a notable example of mid‑century American automotive experimentation.
In short: The 1952 Packard Panther Macauley was a rare, custom‑built two‑seat roadster that combined Packard’s straight‑eight power with cutting‑edge styling and features, serving both as a personal luxury car and a design showcase for the future of Packard’s sports models
Could double as a hearse when the trunk lid is up. Sorry, couldn't help myself. I recall seeing this one a long time ago John. It struck me as an odd-styled car, especially for a Packard. The Ed Macauley design made it look like a pickup from the sideview.
Sure would turn some heads today. I like the rarity factor of it!
Could double as a hearse when the trunk lid is up. Sorry, couldn't help myself. I recall seeing this one a long time ago John. It struck me as an odd-styled car, especially for a Packard. The Ed Macauley design made it look like a pickup from the sideview.
Sure would turn some heads today. I like the rarity factor of it!
Aw, come on, Tony. A pickup? Don't put temptation in my way, for heaven's sake.
Mind you, I did also wonder how it might look with a more standard roof configuration.
Fairly predictable, I guess, and less distinctive than the original (or less odd, depending on your point of view). But always worth a try.
OH GRAEME!! Perfect! The concept looks so much better as an unlikely pick up than whatever the configuration intended. BUT, OMG!! That envisionment of yours as a standard-top sedan is pure Packard perfection!! You're THE Man!
