While not being overly informed about Packard automobiles, I still have an attraction for what was at one time, probably America’s finest marque. Two weeks ago we put up this 1936 Packard post and while it’s a grand old car, it’s obviously in need of much help, maybe too much help. Let’s move ten years forward and review another Packard, a Clipper sedan to be exact, an example that is in considerably better condition. T.J. found this Pagosa Springs, Colorado resident and it is available, here on craigslist for $16,900.
Existing in both two and four-door sedan body styles, the Clipper was an important model for Packard and appeared off and on between 1941 and 1957 almost to Packard’s discontinuance in 1958. In 1946, numerous Clipper models existed and our subject car appears to be a “Super” Clipper, one of 9,700 produced that year. If this Packard looks long, that’s because it is, it rides on a 127″ wheelbase (lots of leg room!) and commands an overall length of 215.5 “. Weight tripped the scales at just about two tons.
The seller suggests, “Paint looks great from 20 feet but it deserves to be perfected. Some light paint failure on roof from weather. Chrome has some pitting and there is a little surface rust in the door jams“. I’m not sure from how many feet the images were taken but this is a sharp-looking sedan – and a white finish helps with the beauty cause. The distinctive Packard grille appears to be untouched and the chrome and stainless trim shine – it has an impressive and regal bearing about itself. Note the Packard wire wheels – the perfect feature to round out the exterior.
Power is provided by a 165 HP, 356 CI, in-line, eight-cylinder engine delivering forward motion via a three-speed manual transmission. The running condition is not described in detail but it is said that this Clipper is capable of making it a couple of hours to car shows. There is no mileage recording provided so the engine’s wear factor is unknown – no word regarding improvements, repairs, maintenance, etc.
The interior is described as beautiful and I would have to agree. The gray fabric upholstery is clean and crisp – no sign of wear or stains, and the dash reveals an instrument panel with clear gauges and beautiful chrome trim – so typical for premium cars of this era. It’s stated that the headliner is discolored but that’s not really surprising considering this car’s age. This Packard even has a working tube radio!
I’d say this Packard is quite an improvement over that previously featured ’36, obviously – it is really a leap forward in auto technology but it’s still a Packard and in possession of the existential qualities that made Packard a brand of renown. Beyond that, I’d say the price seems reasonable. The seller suggests, “Could make a sweet bomb or Kustom but I like it original“. Sweet bomb of Kustom? Sacrilege! No, no, no! As for a recommendation, I would “ask the man who owns one” if I knew any such individual but I don’t. It’s probably not necessary in this case, however, as this Super Clipper speaks for itself, wouldn’t you agree?
This thing’s screaming for steelies and blackwalls. The chrome wires and wide whites make it look like a restomod, seeing a flathead instead of an LS was a pleasant surprise.
If I were 10 or 15 years younger I would LOVE to have this in my garage. I have just aged out but the price is right and my zest for preserving the past it definitely is in no danger of being hacked up. I have done a few others in the past preserving the vehicles as best I could. .
Almost looks a little like a Rolls at certain angles. The white makes it stand out.
It sure does
Considering the state of conservation, the model, the manufacturer, the age and the price, it is perhaps one of the most balanced offers that have appeared here. Always remembering that it’s a Packard.
I like restomods, but would never mess with anything that has a healthy straight 8. These are the pinnacle of automotive design. My dad used to love balancing a quarter on the head while idling to show it’s smoothness.
The Packard straight 8 was one of the smoothest, quietest, most dependable engines ever made. They fell out of favor when overhead V-8s started eclipsing them badly in power produced. Also, parts availability is pretty good.
Guy,
I’ve been working on, and owned Packards since 1968, and I can tell you and other Barn Finds members that the Packard eight motors were inherently balanced, not just the 9-main bearing engines, even the smaller 282, 288, and 327 engines were so smooth that I’ve never had a problem balancing Nickels on edge, on the cylinder head while at slow idle!
Thats alot of car show head turn for under $17 grand
This car is gorgeous. I would be honored to try to fit this into my garage. But at nearly 18 feet, I would have to move some stuff.
But gosh, I think this car looks terrific and exceptionally fairly priced. Just too far away for me.
no engine info for a good reason probably
What a beautiful car and at a fair price too. This one will sell fast. Wish I could afford it!!!!!!!
i like this car. but i can not see if it was a repaint or not. there is no paint in the grill. so at some point they took that paint off the grill. and in motor battery wires are new with a new gas filter put inline. stickers from new still there.
be nice to see roof as he said paint is bad there but from these photos it looks good.
if that is packard paint then this car was taken care of!
As someone who knows these cars very well, here’s my take on it. There are many reasons for what seems to be a cheap price:
First, let’s talk paint. Packard white was never the same “whiteness” as a home appliance. It’s a repaint.
The upholstery is incorrect, it should be a striped cloth on the seats, and a lighter grey on the door cards. Never had full carpet in the front, & it had “Hog’s hair” carpet in the back. It’s certainly modern upholstery materials.
Wire wheels were never offered on any Packard prior to 1953. The fog lights and back-up lights are aftermarket. The hood ornament is 1952-54 Packard.
A red clutch pedal pad indicates the car would be equipped with the semi-automatic clutch, called the Electromatic. Don’t know what it means if it’s on the brake pedal as seen here! A close look at the engine tells me there are no parts for the Electromatic, so I think that pedal is a “red herring” [pun intended!]
Tinted glass was never available on a 1947 Clipper, and even when it was introduced for 1952, it was a very faint green tint as seen on American cars of the late 50s and into the 1970s.
So if one is to compare this car to an example that has been faithfully and correctly restored, the restored car would be expected to sell for probably triple the asking price here, however the costs to bring this car up to that condition & value would likely exceed the value when completed. Hence the value is what I would consider reasonable, for what the buyer gets.
Thanks for the update Bill. Makes it know for why is is lower priced and not a faithful reproduction. But it is still beautiful in my eyes. But it sure helps having commentary from someone who knows the value.
Bruce,
For someone who was not interested in being faithful to all the original specs, and who wanted a reliable “toy” where they didn’t worry about the kids getting dirty shoes on the back seats, this is a great compromise car.
I just like it when people who are potential buyers, understand what they are buying.
Looking at the roof and door area of the car in the dusk shot , it reminds me a bit of a Cord
I think the 41’s thru 47 had nice style,,looked impressive,,I have a 48 2 dr and its a nice care but I think they lost some of the packard glamore,,or style,,just doesnt look as rich as the earlier ones
And it is gone. ‘deleted by its author”.
It must have been an OK deal for two people…
I’m now the proud owner this Packard Clipper. The Seller bought this car for his critical ill 81year old mother so he could take her to parades and for ice cream.
The Seller was right up front with me about everything he knew about the car. Yes, there cracks in the paint and yes, it been repainted. There is some chrome that needs attention, but there is no rust through spots in the floors that I could see. As we enter the lust interior, the straight 8 started right up and ran so smooth. There was no smoke from the tail pipe or blow by. We then set off and there no slipping of the clutch or chattering. We were soon up to fifty MPH and as we floated along, the steering did not have any play and it held straight line. As we slow to a stop, we down shifted to 2nd, but we had to come to a complete stop to shift into first. We headed back and drove it onto the car hauler. As we proceed back home, we got honks and thump up. If we stopped at gas station a swarm of admirer gather round.
It has been said that the car was purchase from a North Hollywood dealership by silent screen actress Dorothy Gish older sister of silent screen Star Lillian Gish. We are trying to verify that.
Dennis,
Congrats on the new Packard. I’ve always said it’s OK to have a car with non-original parts, as long as the new buyer is informed of the situation. Having a newer interior does make it more enjoyable for rides with ice cream! [Especially when it includes kids.]
If you are not yet a member, may I suggest you consider joining the Packard Club [PAC]? As you get to know your new Packard I’m sure you will be glad to know what the club offers. They might even be helpful in finding the Gish connection.