In retrospect Packard's Gear-Start Ultramatic (1954), Twin Ultramatic (1955), and Ultramatic Drive (1956), most serious design flaw; was the low to high shift transition. Adding a poorly timed high clutch application and low band release over much of the allowable up-shift range resulted in many premature high clutch failures. This situation resulted in an unusual sensitivity to individual driving habits determining useful clutch life. Therefore, while the transmission was designed to physically accept a high torque V8, its control system needed further development. Packard had valid plans for upgrading the Ultramatic Drive further for 1957 and beyond, to address the problems noted.This plan however, was eclipsed when needed restructuring/financing for Studebaker-Packard did not materialize.