Launched in 1951 as a premium model, the Packard Patrician 400 used the longer 300 chassis, and the 5,360cc straight-8 engine. John Reinhart designed the Patrician and it was built on a 127-inch wheelbase as a quality product with a fast 155bhp engine, but was perceived as being dull. Packard sold 100,000 cars in the 1951 model year, but only 9,000 were the Patrician 400. 69,000 Packards were sold in the 1952 model year, with almost 4,000 being Patricians. Total production of 1953 Packards was 89,700 of which 7,500 were Patricians. For 1954 the Patrician was offered with a new 5,880cc 4-barrel engine. Chrome ports on the rear flanks were replaced for 1954 with a stepped trim line, and Packard sales plunged to just under 31,000 cars with only 2,760 Patricians. For 1955 all Packards were restyled by Dick Teague, and at last included a pillarless coupe. However, even though Studebaker and Packard had merged there wasn't any cash for further new models and the final Packards were simply rebadged Studebakers.