Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
21227033
Estimate:
$ 50,000 - $ 75,000 US
In the years following World War II, the automotive market combined
a heady mixture of seemingly insatiable design with the
anticipation of the new designs that were yet to come. Although
Packard did not have the resources of the big three, the company
was in many ways in better shape as the pre-war Clipper had been a
clean-sheet design, and was easily one of the most modern cars on
the market.
Nonetheless, if the Clipper had a failing, it was in the limited
variety of body styles available: a two-door coupe and a four-door
sedan. The author had the opportunity to speak directly with
several of the individuals involved in this project, from Mr. John
E. Morgan's original conception of the design through the
completion of the car as it is today.
Mr. Morgan's ambition was to create the sporting automobile that
Packard never did. As a result, he located an excellent original
Packard Clipper sedan, and embarked upon an ambitious project to
design and build the car illustrated here. Cost was no object, and
indeed, the museum's detailed records show a finished cost of more
than $160,000.
The result, however, speaks for itself. There is no denying the
unique character and appeal of this one-of-a-kind Packard
Speedster. Since the car was to be a custom creation, many modern
amenities were added-- including power windows and seats.
Finished in a rich dark maroon accented with black fenders, the
interior is trimmed in burgundy colored leather. The dash is
wood-grained, in keeping with the best Packard practice. The
instruments, while period in appearance, are in fact modern. The
top is smartly trimmed in black Haartz cloth fabric.
The engine bay has benefited from a thorough detailing,
incorporating several rare period speed parts, including a polished
aluminum Edmonds cylinder head and a dual carburetor manifold and
breather setup. Similarly, the undercarriage has been carefully
detailed to show condition.
With few miles since completion, this remarkable Packard offers the
opportunity to acquire a unique example of what Packard might have
built. With performance and style beyond anything Packard ever
built, this one-of-a-kind Packard is certain to turn heads wherever
it goes.
