Vehicle Description
When you think the words "different" and "cool", what comes to
mind? "Cool" is easy for many folks, because there aren't many
things cooler than traditional '50s Americana. "Different"? Well,
that's a little more difficult. As cool as tri-fives and Fairlanes
are, they're pretty common and fairly mainstream. I mean, you could
do an interesting variation of those cars, like the Nomad or the
Skyliner. Or you could buy an oddball offering like the perennial
Checker. Or you could pick up a classy and elegant cruiser like
this incredible Packard Clipper! What's that you say? You're
worried about parts and repairs? Well, in that case, it's nice to
know that, during a detailed, ground-up restoration, this cool
sedan was upgraded with a proven Vortec V8 and a reliable GM
transmission. That settles it: if you're looking for a unique,
world-class weekender, your classic has officially arrived!
BODYWORK/TRIM
A solid Southern Belle that has no problem charming judges, this
pristine Packard is the beneficiary of a professional, body-off
restoration that wrapped in 2008. The pros behind that selective
rebuild were none other than Cookeville, Tennessee's Mid-Southern
Restorations. Pure white 2-stage reflects Deluxe chrome trim that's
been professionally re-plated. And that bright flash and quality
pigment highlights distinctive, retro character which reminds us
just how cool vintage metal can be!
According to Mid-Southern Restorations, this Packard was created
when a customer wanted to "build a brand new old family car" that
was reliable enough for everyday road tripping. Naturally, since
the car is relatively rare, its restoration included many NOS
components. At the front of this sophisticated sedan, an intricate
grille hangs tinted parking lamps between clear headlights that
feature polished visors, and a polished bumper that features
sculpted guards. At the sides of that grille, a pontoon profile
centers Deluxe trim spears between a short antenna and small fender
skirts. At the top of that profile, an early Packard hood topper
leads fresh, stainless-framed glass that integrates chic door
handles behind polished wipers and small mirrors. And at the back
of the car, polished fins flow into fashionable tail lamps that
illuminate an ornate trunk crest, a second guarded bumper and
Packard-branded exhaust.
ENGINE
When it comes to the perfect blend of power, reliability and
fixability, nothing beats a stalwart GM small block. With that in
mind, it seems perfectly logical that this Clipper sports proven
Vortec power. Lift the car's whittled hood and you'll find a
lightweight aluminum V8 that was cast, assembled and installed in
its original GMC host sometime in 2005. The smooth mill utilizes
5.3 liters of displacement to twist buff 9.5 to 1 compression into
a spry 290 horsepower and 325 lb./ft. of rich torque. And despite
consistently delivering spirited, low-end performance, it revs like
a champ and drives like a commuter car! Up top, a custom-painted
Chevy SSR shroud provides plenty of visual pizzazz. Out front, a
Spectre filter cone feeds cool air into a fabricated tube that's
cinched to a standard GM throttle body. At the sides of the block,
GM exhaust manifolds ensure from-the factory performance stays
from-the-factory reliable. GM plug wires join quality American
Autowire wiring to ensure the car's 12-volt electronics communicate
as they should. Dual electric puller fans cool a beefy radiator.
And aesthetically, the compact mill seems right at home in the
car's clean white engine bay.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Naturally, that modern powerplant precedes a modernized, road-ready
chassis. Everything starts with a sturdy, factory-spec frame that
traces solid, undercoated floors. At the center of those bones, a
4L60E 4-speed makes excellent use of a factory-spec axle. That
road-ready pumpkin drives a fully rebuilt suspension, which mixes a
factory rear-clip with a Heidts Mustang II front-half. Turns come
courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. Solid stops are
achieved with the help of a Heidts GM power front disc conversion.
Aluminized exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through small cats and
a throaty muffler. And all that proven hardware rolls on Wheel
Vintiques wires, which spin 225/75R15 BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial
whitewalls around polished Packard hub caps.
INTERIOR
The car's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of
boomtown, America, complete with tight vinyl, tasteful fabrics and
carefully modified Classic Instruments telemetry. The red and white
cockpit is centered on big Deluxe seats that feel soft enough to
take a nap on. At the sides of those seats, 2-tone door panels hang
power-operated windows behind correct chrome handles and glossy
frames. At the bottom of those panels, "Packard" branded floor mats
protect fade-free carpet. At the front of the car, a
stainless-trimmed dash centers direct-fit audio above Vintage Air
climate control. In front of the driver, a classy steering wheel
laps a unique turn signal stalk. And behind the cockpit, a fully
carpeted trunk anchors a fifth Wheel Vintiques wire between rear
air conditioning and a Custom Autosound CD changer.
AWARDS
1st Place at the 2010 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee
1st Place at the 2009 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee
1st Place at the 2008 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
A stack of build receipts
The aforementioned Hunters Auto Expo awards
If you're looking for some classic Americana that's much more
exclusive than mass-market Chevys and run-of-the-mill Fords, this
elegant Packard is a fantastic choice. Distinctive, reliable and
lovingly restored, it's a lot of fun on the street OR at the show.
Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and schedule a visit!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional, body-off restoration
Winner of multiple national awards
Modern 5.3 liter GM Vortec V8 / 290 horsepower
GM 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
Modern Air conditioning
Heidts Mustang II front suspension / Power rack-and-pinion
steering
Heidts GM power front disc brakes
15-inch Wheel Vintiques wheels
Modern audio
Sale includes build receipts and all the car's awards
