As advanced as Duesenburgs were Packards were slow to change.....don't fix what ain't broke...
To me the best example of this is Packard's approach to 4 wheel brakes. At the time when companies started going to 4 wheel mechanical brakes Packard resisted. The primary arguments were first, most driving that is done is not at speeds that necessitate the addition of brakes at the front wheels and second, many of the 4 wheel brake systems that were available were troublesome resulting not not providing much benefit.

This resistance did not make the dealers happy because sales were being lost. Finally, after complaints from the dealers the company decided to develop a 4 wheel brake system, but the car was it had to be perfect. By the time Packard introduced 4 wheel mechanical brakes it was not much time until Chrysler (at a much lower price) introduced 4 wheel hydraulic brakes. Now Packard at least by appearance is behind the next technology wave. Everything that I have read on Packard states that their 4 wheel mechanical brakes were so much better than other makes.

Check out this video from Jay Leno
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=188063
Pay attention to his comments about the mechanical brakes on this 1932 Packard. And automatic clutch, too.
I would love to have a Packard.