Vehicle Description
1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama
Dramatic design gives this hardtop all the verve of a south of the
border fete day. It urges you to get behind the wheel just as Latin
American Music urges you to dance. It's a gay and graceful sort of
car, with the lilt of its lines, the harmony of its interiors and
the rhythm of its powerful 225hp V8 engine.
For consignment, a 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama. Your eyes
will dance through the lines of this two toner with some space age
styling, wrap around glass which was all the rage during this
automotive era, and of course solid bumpers on either end. Some
recent rebuilds to the transmission, brake lines, 4-barrel
carburetor, and master cylinder to make this power brakes grab.
Check this chicka out!
Exterior
Break out the maracas, light a fire and serve some poi on a banana
leaf and let's get this party started. Upfront with Batmobile
styling for the St Louis arch shaped headlights and the electric
shaver grille below. There is a boat steering wheel badge in the
center of the grille (all aboard!). A big bumper is framing the
bottom of this car and a single chromed "Dagmar" rests on the near
edges before the big wrap around. Above the grille is a wide
chromed trimming that eventually turns into what will be a drop
spear that goes to the edge of the doors. Within this area it is
painted Onyx and has a clipper badge on the front quarter. The
hood, and mid section of this car is bathed in Opal Fire and then
another chromed trimming starts at the front door sill and drops to
the rear quarter where it runs to the taillights. This area is
Onyx, as is the roof, which has a beautifully V shaped B-pillar on
back with a Packard badge. Space age rocket nosed taillights are
sitting in a V shaped chromed tray if you will and the backup
lights are just below. The rear bumper is dulled and appears to be
painted and has lost its luster. Chromed dog dish wheel coverings
are wrapped with wide whites on all 4 corners. Aye caramba!
Interior
Packards were known for their edgy design and this interior does
not disappoint on that front. Heavy use of red vinyl covered panels
and red painted steel for the door panels uses a bit of white
triangulated pattern vinyl for the centers, and then more red for
the armrest. The driver's armrest shows wear and tear. Inside a red
tub cradles a split back front bench which uses a tuck and roll red
covered vinyl bolster and some gray broadcloth inserts. These are
soiled and dirty. The rear bench is covered with the same materials
and patterns and is also soiled and dirty. Upfront behind the
original big steering wheel, is a red painted metal dash that has
an aluminum textured panel for the gauges. These are all circular
with a shiny bezel and gold accenting in a blackface field. Some
sliders flank the steering column and a centrally located painted
red glove box is just under the aluminum insert which sports a
Clipper badge and small round clock in front of the passenger.
Faded red carpeting floods the floors front and rear and a white
headliner is above.
Drivetrain
Within the engine bay is an original 320ci V8 engine which is
unrestored and showing some dirt and dust throughout. A single
4-barrel carburetor is on top, and a 2-speed Ultramatic automatic
transmission is on back with a 3.23 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some heavy surface rust is seen and on the rear roll pan underneath
is invasive rust. A new fuel tank and lines have been installed. A
surface rusted X frame supports floor pans which have some rust
proofing sprayed on them. The front suspension and rear suspension
show heavy surface rust but remain structurally sound. Power drum
braking is on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
This car starts in a flash and is off to the test track in its well
worn style. Here it did nicely with smooth shifting and
acceleration, good braking, and smooth overall ride. All functions
were in working order.
She will need a bit of TLC to bring it back to Glorioso, however
the car is a good runner and is solid mechanically with the recent
rebuilds. Cosmetically it will need to have a brush up, but it
would be worthwhile as this is a not oft seen car. Packard would
soon be no longer, but its innovative design remains timeless.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
