Vehicle Description
1955 Packard Clipper Constellation
NO TITLE OR VIN PLATE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
The Clipper was introduced in April 1941, as a mid-model year
entry. At the time, it was available only as a four-door sedan. The
Clipper name was reintroduced in 1953, for the automaker's
lowest-priced lineup. By 1955, the Clipper models were seen as
diluting Packard's marketing as a luxury automobile marque. It was
named for a type of sailing ship, called a clipper.
Ahoy mates! Here we have a rare Packard Clipper Custom with a 2
tone respray, and plenty of trim chrome delineating the tones of
paint. She's gonna need some cosmetic work particularly on the
interior but it may be worthwhile given the rarity of this car from
this year, and in Custom trim.
Exterior
On the bow we see arched bezeled headlights that utilize the
surrounding metal of the front quarters to make their "bat mobile"
forms. Just below is a wide chrome trim piece which frames the
bottom of the hood, and the top of a vertical ribbed grille, then
trim continues around to the front quarters and eventually swoops
downward in the mid door. Here more rocker trim takes over, and we
see the border to the second color light blue. A big bumper frames
the bottom the bow and dual Dagmars stick out on either side. More
trim for the rockers that continues around the rear wheel well and
to the rear bumper (drivers side piece is missing). Just above
where the bottom piece left off in a downward spiral, another piece
takes over and heads downward from the door sill to the rear
quarter, then quickly heads rearward in a straight line. This is
another delineation of two-tone coloring and allowing the dark blue
to make its way in from the roof to the tops of the rear quarters
and trunk lid. Bringing up the stern are two top rear quarter
mounted big red taillights also trimmed in chrome, a badged trunk
lid, and a two-tier rear bumper in silver paint. Overall paint
quality is dulled, the light blue is a respray, and there appears
to be no rust on the exterior surfaces.
Interior
Additional two tone using light and dark blue, and snazzy V chromed
trimmings as the borders of these two colors. Doors are rough with
chipping paint, a door pull handles that is torn, and some rust in
the hinge areas. The dash is original with a mesh chromed metal
dash front that dances with the dark blue. Gauges are all original
as are controls and radio, and steering wheel. Modern 50's style
pattern plaid broadcloth in light and dark green covers the front
bench and rear bench. the uppers on the backs of these seats, and
the bolsters are making use of light blue crushed velour and piping
as their border. Big metal tubs hold the front bench in place next
to the floor and sport a ship's helm badge in the corners. Carpet
is poor and some areas of the floorboards near the thresholds are
showing invasive rust. The headliner is tight, light blue and has
chrome trim strips curving through it.
Drivetrain
A 352ci V8 with a single 4-barrel carburetor atop and Twin
Ultramatic 2-speed automatic is on back of the 352.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust throughout, and invasive rust on the rockers
and this has been filled with expansion foam, but not remediated.
This would explain the invasive rust seen on the thresholds above.
The X frame remains strong as do the floorpans underneath, and
torsion bar in front and torque level suspension can be seen. Also
noted are power drum brakes all around.
Drive-Ability
We could start this engine, but it only ran on ether, so we had to
postpone the test drive.
A barn find if you will, but given the rarity of this car, a
worthwhile endeavor to bring it back. Unique styling, the upper
level of trimmings in the Custom Clipper option showing off more
chrome and a wonderful two-tone dance.
NO TITLE OR VIN PLATE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.