Vehicle Description
1956 Packard Executive #4358
The Packard 400 was an automobile built by the Studebaker-Packard
Corp. of South Bend, Indiana during model years 1955 and 1956.
During its two years in production, the 400 was built in Packard's
Detroit facilities, and considered part of Packard's senior model
range. The Packard Executive was introduced on March 5, 1956 to
fill a perceived price gap between the prestige Packard Patrician
line and the new Clipper marque, which was in its first year as a
separate marque. Effectively, the Packard Executive replaced the
entire Clipper Custom line of vehicles, as production of the
Customs was ended once the Executive was announced.
Gracing our Hallowed Halls here at the Classic Auto Mall is one of
the last REAL Packards and a rare one to boot. Corsican Black and
Dover White, torsion ride suspension, and a beautiful white and
black interior, this Packard has it all...Just Ask The Man Who Owns
One! A multiple time award winner that made the trek of over 200
miles to our Hallowed Halls and is one of the approximately 1,031 2
door hardtops built in the shortened run. This is a rare piece of
50's automotive history that outshines the other marques with its
handsome and nicely appointed design and "Let The Ride Decide"
suspension.
Exterior
Wearing its original paint scheme in a mix of Corsican Black and
Dover white this car just sings 50's high class. The eye-catching
Corsiacan Black is separated by a stainless steel trimming that
runs around a band of Dover White running the length of the car and
contains a chrome emblem on the rear fenders written in your
grandmother's script and above by the tinted greenhouse of the
passenger's compartment. More Dover White graces the expansive
steel that makes up the roof and is trimmed in shiny stainless.
Hovering outboard of the large Corsican Black hood are the bat
mobile-esque headlights that float above a large grid pattern gold
and chrome egg crate grille and massive chrome bumper that sports
dagmars that were so popular of the era. On back, dual cathedral
style tail lights form the back of the rear quarters and float
above a rear bumper which creates an insert for these tail lights,
and also a frame for the round tailpipes. The bumpers are a bit
faded and show signs of aging with minimal surface rust down low
and overall, the paint presents as expected for an older
restoration and shows well with only minor chips, scratches and
blemishes. Thin modern whitewall tires adorn all 4 corners and have
chrome wire spoke wheel covers but the original Packard wheel
covers are included.
Interior
Swinging open the massive door and we are greeted with more ribbed
stainless-steel panels at the bottom of the door followed by a
pleasant mix of white and black vinyl and some chrome spears for
extra pizazz. A white armrest floats in the center of the door as
does a chrome window crank and door handle. Rounding out the door,
on top is a miles deep black topper that is mirror like in
appearance. Sprawling newly covered twin bench seats, (split in the
front for entrance to the rear), run side to side in more black and
white vinyl in tuck and roll and smooth patterning. Both sets of
seats present in excellent condition and give a ton of eye as well
as posterior appeal. The original dash is present, which uses a
dimpled stainless panel, and surrounding gloss black steel. We note
an added GPS speedometer atop the dash in front of the driver. All
the instruments are in chromed bezels within the stainless mesh and
this is fronted by an original black steering wheel made of
bakelite atop the steering column and a shifter stalk mounted on
the right. Gauges and knobs are bright and shiny retaining their
original design from the factory including the radio insert.
However, auxiliary gauges hang below the dash along with an
aftermarket AM/FM/CD player. Above is a beautifully preserved
headliner nice, tight, and white with chrome ribs to snazz it up.
Carpets are black and are almost new with only minor soiling on the
drivers carpeted mat.
Drivetrain
A consignor stated rebuilt 352ci V8 producing 275hp is topped with
a single 4-barrel carburetor mounted securely under a black single
snorkel air cleaner assembly. Black Packard valve covers cap over
the gold painted block wonderfully and we see power steering with a
new pump and assist cylinder. A consignor stated rebuilt 2-speed
Ultramatic automatic transmission sends power back to a rear axle
with a 3.54 ratio. This entire set up will keep you cruising down
the highway with ease. Of note, our consignor stated that all of
the air conditioning parts are included with the vehicle and if the
buyer would like, a spare engine block, heads and valve covers are
available and can be picked up from the consignor after the
purchase.
Undercarriage
Only very light surface rust is showing on the black frame,
x-frame, suspension components, and floor pans. No invasive rust is
to be seen anywhere. A newer dual exhaust system is noted that has
stock style mufflers and tailpipes that exit thru the rear bumper.
New drum brakes are noted all around. Now for something totally out
of the ordinary...Packard did away with coil springs on all four
corners and installed a torsion-level ride system at all 4 corners.
Taken right from the Packard information packet: Full-length
torsion bars, at each side of the chassis, connect front and rear
wheels making them work as a team to smother bumps and road shocks.
At the center of the chassis is a power controlled Levelizer which
automatically maintains the car at ideal ride level, regardless of
passenger or luggage load. However, this system no longer works
automatically, our consignor converted it to manual actuation.
Drive-Ability
The car started with a few pumps of the gas pedal and handled our
test track with ease. Braking was sufficient and bias-free.
Acceleration was more than adequate, and the torsion-level ride
system provided a comfortable ride. My esteemed colleague and I
took turns driving the Executive and enjoyed every second of it. A
slew of frowns reared their heads during our drive as well as after
drive moment of reflection. The factory gauges are not working,
thus the aftermarket gauges and GPS speedo, the heater blower,
brake lights and wipers are inoperable, the driver's window is
cracked, and post drive we noticed healthy leaks from the engine,
power steering, transmission and a fuel leak from the top of the
tank.
Overall a solid car that stands out in the sea of mediocre
competition. Some TLC required for the noted issues, but still a
great driver capable of making a long haul and doing it in style.
Extra parts are included as well as shop manuals for this 1 year
only partial model year skate. "Ask The Man Who Owns One!"
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.
