The Studebaker-Packard Corporation emerged in 1954, when the Packard Motor Car Company, took over the Studebaker Corporation. Although Studebaker was the bigger company, Packard was financially sounder and had better management. The new company soon found that a drastic reorganization was necessary. Studebaker took care of the production in large quantities and truck sales, while Packard focused on the market for more luxurious cars.
In 1954 the Packard Four Hundred was introduced: a two-door model with a hard-top. Technically and optically, the Four Hundred was clearly related to the Patrician. New were the panoramic windscreen and the ribbed chrome strip along the entire length of the car. In addition, the Four Hundred was also available in a two-tone colour scheme. Top and bottom were often white and the intermediate portion, a wide stripe on both sides and the hood and trunk lid, had a striking colour. All in all, the design of the Four Hundred was a memorable one, a typical American icon of the '50s.
The Packard Four Hundred had a V8 engine with an enormous power, ranging from 260 to 290 hp. The Twin Ultramatic transmission and the Torsion Level suspension were also introduced. Never before were torsion bars without anchor points, mounted longitudinally and functioning on four wheels used. It provided a remarkably comfortable ride, that even took the most merciless railroad crossing with ease.
The initial purchase price of the Four Hundred was around $ 4,200. In 1956, the last year of production, 3224 Four Hundreds were made. Although Packard was a solid company, the Studebaker-Packard Corporation ran into financial trouble. In 1958 the Packard brand eventually disappeared from the market, Studebaker hold out till 1966.