Studebaker-Packard Corporation signed by Kirk Kerkorian - Autograph Stock Certificate - Famous Car Maker

Stock issued to Kirk Kerkorian and signed on transfer sheet. Important!

Kerkor “Kirk” Kerkorian, born on June 6, 1917, and passing away on June 15, 2015, was an Armenian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He served as the president and CEO of Tracinda Corporation, his private holding company based in Beverly Hills, California. Kerkorian played a significant role in shaping Las Vegas, collaborating with architect Martin Stern, Jr., to create the “father of the mega-resort.” He constructed the world’s largest hotel in Las Vegas three times: the International Hotel (opened in 1969), the MGM Grand Hotel (1973), and the MGM Grand (1993). Additionally, in 1969, he acquired the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) movie studio.

Of Armenian descent, Kerkorian dedicated over $1 billion to charity in Armenia through his Lincy Foundation, established in 1989. The foundation’s primary focus was on assisting in the reconstruction of northern Armenia following the devastating 1988 earthquake. Kerkorian’s generosity extended to ensuring the production of a film that would shed light on the history of the Armenian Genocide. The resulting film, titled “The Promise,” premiered in the United States in April 2017. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Time magazine named him the 10th largest donor in the United States in 2000. In September 1998, President Robert Kocharyan bestowed upon Kerkorian the honor of honorary citizenship of Armenia. Later, in May 2004, Kocharyan elevated Kerkorian to the highest state award, the title of National Hero of Armenia.

The Studebaker-Packard Corporation, formed in 1954, was the result of the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, acquiring the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana. While Studebaker was the larger entity, Packard’s financial standing and executive team were superior to that of South Bend. In the spring of 1962, Studebaker-Packard reverted to its original name, “Studebaker Corporation.” The following year, the South Bend plant closed, while its Canadian plant in Hamilton, Ontario, continued producing Studebaker cars until 1966.

Initially, Packard anticipated benefits from Studebaker’s extensive dealer network, while Studebaker sought to leverage Packard’s robust cash position. Once both companies stabilized their financials and enhanced their product offerings, the original plan proposed by Packard president James J. Nance and Nash-Kelvinator Corporation president George W. Mason envisioned the combined Studebaker-Packard company joining forces with the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company to form an all-new four-marque American Motors Corporation.

Had the intricate combination of companies progressed as planned, the new entity would have immediately surpassed the Chrysler Corporation to become the third of America’s “Big Three” automobile manufacturers. However, the sudden demise of Mason in 1954 (succeeded by George W. Romney) and disputes over parts-sharing arrangements between the companies thwarted any chance of completing the proposed merger. This failure to effectively combine the companies ultimately sealed the fates of all four.

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