“America’s newest glamour car is this dream-lined beauty,” so opines the 1954 Packard Clipper “Panama” sales brochure. It’s a powerful but safe statement at the same time. And since I’ve covered a couple of Packards as of late (a 1937 Packard convertible and a 1938 Packard coupe), a marque that generates many comments, it seems appropriate to cover this late-in-the-game model from what was arguably, at one time, America’s finest automobile manufacturer. We can thank Curvette for this Seattle, Washington discovery, and you can read all about it here on craigslist where it’s available for $26,000.
The year 1954 saw Packard’s acquisition of Studebaker and the formation of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. This lash-up was, unfortunately, on borrowed time, at least as far as auto manufacturing was concerned. Studebaker automobiles would live on until 1966, but by 1958, the last Packard-branded model, really a rebadged Studebaker, would roll off the South Bend assembly line while Packard would roll on to veneration. Packard had used the “Clipper” model name off and on over the years, and by 1954, it represented their entry-level lineup. Body styles included this “Panama” two-door hardtop as well as two and four-door sedans, covering three trim levels: Super, Deluxe, and Special. Our Panama hardtop is one of only 3,600 assembled in ’54 – pretty uncommon! The seller refers to it as a well-kept automobile, acquired in 2022, but doesn’t offer any backstory regarding originality or brushes with restoration. This car shows as perfect, almost too perfect to be original, but I suppose that could be the case for this reported 75 K-mile specimen. The finish, chrome, trim, all of it is like new and totally representative of its era. The only noted detraction is a cracked passenger-side window.
By 1955, Packard followed suit with the rest of the domestic auto manufacturers by offering a modern V8 engine, but in 1954, the old-fashioned, 165 gross HP, 327 CI, inline, flathead eight-cylinder engine was still the prescribed powerplant. The seller adds, “Drives smoothly and is a joy to take on road trips.” Also mentioned is the inclusion of a new fuel tank, master cylinder, and brake booster. An “Ultramatic” automatic transmission handles gear changes.
Get a load of that interior! It’s a fabulous contrast of red and black vinyl door panels and seats upholstered with a red vinyl and black “rush” fabric material. The eyeball appeal continues with that instrument panel and its substantial, center-mounted chrome-plated speaker grille – it’s a work of art in a restrained sort of way. Beyond that, it’s the overall environment’s condition; it actually belies a car of this age and mileage – note the carpet in particular, I’d suggest that it has seen limited use.
What’s not to like? If you’re a Packard aficionado, you would be hard-pressed to improve upon this ’54 Clipper. Sure, it’s not one of the more exalted Packard models, but it’s a beautiful representative of this venerable marque in its sunset years. I like it; how about you?
I’ve never been a big fan of the late ’40s, early ’50s Packard aerodynamic efforts but this – this is a really fine-looking automobile. The low roofline gives this a “chopped top” look that has just the right amount ‘sinister’, yet elegant. Oh, if only I had the money and storage space for this….. Thanks Jim for a great write-up.
I love these Packards. Last year for the smooth inline 8. The build quality and materials were superior to even Cadillac. We lost a great car builder when we lost the Packard in my opinion.
This was the year I was born, so I don’t know much about Packards, although my cousin had one. The color combination is gorgeous as well as the interior. Red & black always go together and this fabric is luxurious.
Beautiful car overall, but would like to see underside pics.
Hi Jon, this is my Packard, thanks for the comment! To see the undercarriage pics & video walkthrough, see here: https://pacificclassics.com/inventory/1954-packard-clipper-panama-2dr-ht
I’m not sure how strong the market is for Packards. They are cool cars, but are fading from memory. Deferring maintenance or repairs, such as the window, by shifting the cost to the future owner is something you can get away with if you are selling a car for a discount, if the seller is asking a premium doing that sends a clear message to potential buyers that they are more than willing to cut corners elsewhere.
Steve R
I agree. Just look at the incorrect whitewalls on the tires. That’s just being cheap. That car needs period correct whitewalls. What else was cheaper out on. This was a high line Clipper model. Not too many left b
Hi Dave, I did research the correct whitewall tires and chose the wrong ones to save $, you’re right. But have put money instead into keeping her running strong through a well respected classic car shop in Seattle, Crown Hill Automotive.
The car actually looks good without the wide whites, but to each their own.
Hi Steve, I’m the owner of this car, cutting corners isn’t my intent, but as a new classic car owner upon purchase, I realize this beauty deserves to be with someone who is more knowledgeable. I fully intended to replace the window this year but the decision to sell overshadowed that. I’ll keep in mind it’s something I should have done regardless.
I was trying to decide which carried the high beltline low roof look better, Packard or Hudson. If I had 60 k to blow, I’d l’d buy both. Serendipity!https://www.grautogallery.com/vehicles/10726/1954-hudson-hornet-hollywood
Looking at that beautiful 1954 Hudson Hollywood Hornet with auto trans reminds me of my 1954 Hudson Hollywood Super Wasp with the transplanted 308 Hornet motor. It was really slow starting from a stop because of the Hydramatic transmission, compared to the speed of my 1950 Hudson Commodore sedan which had the smaller 262 engine but a manual transmission.
It is still a surprise for me to lift the hood of a car and see a straight 8. They go on forever, both visually and practically. You can actually see the ground on either side!
It’s refreshing to find a car that doesn’t require removal of the front bumper cover and lower splash shield just to remove the headlight unit in order to change a burned out bulb.
Beautifully restored car except for the window. It’s like dressing up in your finest suit and going out in public with your fly open.
Might be priced too high due to lack of market value.
Would the cracked window be more embarrassing? More threatening?
On the website, there is a link in the description that takes you to the dealership that contains a lot more pictures and a video. There, the car has the correct tires on it, and there are quite a few under car pictures as well.
One thing I noticed, which I remember from back in the day, is the gear shift selector has the pattern ‘PNHLR”. Back when it was Park, Neutral, High, Low and Reverse which later became PNDLR and finally today with PRNDL. Just how things change over time.
Still a beautiful car.
Here is the link:
https://pacificclassics.com/inventory/1954-packard-clipper-panama-2dr-ht
I saw something online that suggests this might be the same car that was sold in 2018 for $20,000. Same colors.