I am fairly certain that almost every Barn Finds reader could compile a list of at least ten American marques that have been consigned to the dusty pages of history books. One of those would be Packard, a company renowned for building prestige models. This 1956 Patrician Sedan is one such vehicle; calling it an amazing survivor would not be an understatement. That a car can accumulate nearly seven decades of active service while retaining its original paint and interior trim is a noteworthy achievement. It is ready to find a new home, and as a turnkey proposition, it is one that the winning bidder can enjoy immediately.
The preservation of this 1956 Patrician is remarkable, but it is a testament to two factors. The first is that it has spent its life in a dry location that has prevented the onset of rust. It has also been garage-kept since Day One, sheltering this classic from extreme UV that can exact a high toll on paint and trim. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this classic retains its original Aegean Blue paint. There is no history of restoration or repairs, meaning it can be considered a genuine survivor. It holds a consistent shine across the entire vehicle, with no patchiness or other issues. The panels are laser-straight, with gaps as tight and consistent as you would rightly expect from any prestige model that emerged during the 1950s. The side trim is a slight mystery because it seems to exhibit deterioration in some shots. However, since it looks fine in others, it suggests that it is a trick of the light. The tinted glass is excellent, and the wide whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.
The positive news continues inside this Patrician because the seller claims that its trim and upholstery are original. The combination of Blue and White cloth and vinyl perfectly compliments the exterior paint shade and is remarkably free from significant wear and stains. The piping on the outer edge of the driver’s seat exhibits minor deterioration, but I am sure that an upholsterer would have no trouble addressing it to avoid further deterioration. The back seat looks like it has rarely seen occupants, and the dash is a work of art. When these factors are combined, it is easy to see why every journey would feel like a luxurious experience. That impression is heightened by the power windows, power front seat, pushbutton radio, and the power antenna.
Packard set the mechanical specifications of the 1956 Patrician in stone, with every buyer receiving a 374ci V8, a two-speed Ultramatic transmission, and power steering. Few buyers were worried about outright performance, focusing on effortless driving. However, with a respectable 290hp and 405 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, the ’56 Patrician was surprisingly energetic off the mark. The seller indicates that this V8 is freshly rebuilt, receiving a new camshaft. I’m probably not alone in finding the engine bay photo slightly jarring, because that Edelbrock air cleaner looks completely out of place. The seller doesn’t indicate whether they retained the original, but I would certainly start searching for one if they haven’t. The engine wasn’t the only item treated to TLC, with the brakes and power steering also receiving a rebuild. They describe it as a joy to drive, allowing the winning bidder to slip behind the wheel for some immediate classic motoring gratification.
History shows that the 1956 Patrician was the last genuine Packard, with the company subsequently focusing on lightly reengineered Studebaker models due to ever-tightening finances. This Patrician is a remarkable survivor that is listed here on eBay in Logandale, Nevada, Modest bidding has pushed the price to $5,100, which is below the reserve. I would expect the price to triple on a car of this caliber. That isn’t because it is a pristine example, but because it is such an amazing survivor. Would you pay that sort of money for this Packard, or do you have another figure in mind?
That’s a cool car,one you don’t see every day.
This could turn out to be a great deal for someone.
It could have been. Auction ended with a high bid of $9,677, did not meet reserve. It has been re-listed with a new 7 day auction ending on 9/16.
Steve R
Auctioned for a second time, this time ending on 9/16, with a high bid of $6,200, reserve not met.
Is currently listed for a 3rd time.
Steve R
$5100? FIFTY ONE HUNDRED? That’s it? For this magnificent vehicle? See, you don’t need much more proof the hobby, as we old farts know it, is in peril. If I could slap modern buyers upside the head with a rolled up newspaper, and thought it would actually do any good, I would. It’s not about the money anymore, it’s the fact a car like this has waning interest, only adds to my despair. It should be noted, if anyone still cares, this car has the improved “Twin-Ultramatic”, designed by none other than a young John Z. DeLorean, and was a meager improvement and was used by Studebaker, I believe. I read, the ’55 and ’56 Packards were a nightmare. Strikes, supply shortages, led to many waiting almost a year for the car. Many cancelled the orders, adding to Packards woes. It’s not known if this car has the “Torsion-Level” suspension. Complicated, but was actually quite reliable compared to GMs air ride. A series of electric motors turned torsion bars depending on weight. What happened in ’57 could be considered a step back, and really, it’s these cars that the marque should be remembered by.
Look at it this way. “Waning interest” by others means more cars like this for us who love them!
“Not known if this car has” Torsion-Level Suspension??? ALL Patricians had it! It is the smoothest ride I’ve ever experienced in a car in my 73 years.
I have a 55 Clipper Custom Constellation. They do ride nice
The next door neighbor finally had to close their garage door because us kids (see above: now, old fart) ran down the battery in his Clipper making the levelling motor(s) lift a load of butts on the back bumper.
It’s a double edged sword. Can you fault the younger car guys for not wanting something they have no connection to? Even their grandpa’s didn’t own one of these cars when they were kids. On the other hand, it’s a treat to see a car that isn’t rotted into pieces, or pulled out of a swamp, that is reasonably priced. I got chastised last time I mentioned the reason why I am loathe to spend big dollars on another toy right now. But, if I was looking for a beautiful cruiser that wouldn’t break the bank? This would be a great option.
You are right, cars like this, that don’t have a strong following are largely going to compete against each other based on price.
As for being chastised, don’t worry about it. That guy has been more than willing to express his “opinions” on this site for years and claps back on any that deviate from his line of thinking, like he did with you. If something you say is actually goes beyond the guidelines of the forum a moderator will delete the comment.
Steve R
One of the things I always liked about the 50s Packards and Studebakers was their dashes. Lots of brightly trimmed gauges and switches added a level of beauty to those cars, and Packard and Studebaker pulled it off exceptionally well.
That colour sure suits the car. Another sweet ride to cruise around in. Wonder what the reserve is?
How beautiful! The end of an age! This car represented all of Packard’s automotive experience. Maybe the new Packard Motor Car Company could stop building 1934 time pieces and develop new 2025 Packards?
You mean those tiny plastic ones we see today? Look what happened to Cadillac.
Where is Bill MCoskey when you need him? I’m sure he’s had a few of this year and model before and could offer some insight. Beautiful Packard and the last year model where they were still genuine Packards and not rebadged Studebakers. This example should bring $12-$15k easily.
Another really interesting BF vehicle. The survivor condition and the historical significance of the marque in its final true iteration should make this a very desirable collectible. Certainly worth more than $5,100. But unfortunately this viewpoint is only shared by we “old farts” as Howard succinctly stated. As so many other people have pointed out; younger people have no connection whatsoever to these. Many of us OFs are either holding pat or downsizing and no longer are in the market for collectible cars anymore as we age out. So the pool of buyers is continually shrinking. IMO, we are presently witnessing a sea change underway in the old car hobby. Hopefully, this car will find a new caretaker. I believe that we older owners are going to have to get used to significant declining values of our old cars if we have a chance to pass them on to new and younger collectors. But then, every time I watch a Mecum/ BJ auction and witness the feeding frenzy;I feel like Vinnie in Welcome Back Kotter. I’m so confused. Time will tell.
Yes.. 50 years ago I was restoring a 62 MGA and using “Cars and Parts “ magazine for sources…. The Model A’s were bringing the high dollars…
That’s why I hold this site with such high regard, it gives a visual reminder to memories long lost. For no other reason, why I support the site. It allows us to revisit memories for the mere cost of internet service, which just took another $9 dollar jump, it IS football season, you know, but for a site like this, well worth it. I too watch the TV auctions, even from years past, when they still had COVID masks on, and nothing like this ever comes in. If it does, they all seem to “sell” for $8grand, which tells me, they won’t say it was a “no sale”, but I read a news blip that said, sales of auction cars is way down, and an alarming increase in unsold older ones, especially cars from before 1960. Clearer handwriting on the wall I doubt you’ll find.
I had a 54 Patrician that I even tried to sell here a few years ago. Eventually it to EBay for $3800. The buyer was restoring a Caribbean convertible and said the chrome on my mine was worth just the price….he said he had to finish the restoration just to sell at xx,xxx loss! I suspect even when there is interest with there lack of emotional connection, they have to be really, really good condition to even consider.
What a beautiful car! Would love to cruise this thing, with a nice dual exhaust with Smithy’s, it would be perfect! I wonder what the reserve is, probably out of my range.
I wonder how many of these (and Clippers ) lost their lives due to those cool taillights being used on custom jobs back in the day?
That crazy torsion suspension is quite a piece of engineering.
Yes Wademo, many custom car builders used Packard tail lights, because they were so beautiful. Others used Caddy and Lincoln lights too. Packards were the pinnacle of American engineering into the mid 50s, and most younger guys have no idea who they were. At least there are some of us left who can still appreciate them.
The EBay listing has 60,000 miles, possible with the nice condition. But why would the engine need rebuilding? Just curious. I’ve been driving our 51 Buick with 100,000 miles, engine runs like new, never touched. Could they have ran the Packard engine with stale gasoline and seized everything up?
My ’51 Buick Super (pictured) had over 130,000 miles on the clock when I sold it. Much later the new owner decided to do a total restoration on what was already a beautiful car. He stripped it to nothing, body off frame, brightwork re plated etc. When they stripped the engine down it was still in brilliant condition but because he had already stripped it, and had all the necessary spares imported from America, he went ahead and rebuilt it with all the new parts. Job should be completed by Christmas this year.
Who knows how, and who they got to even rebuild a 56 Packard engine. Cudos for sourcing all the parts needed. At least it’s done? That Edelbrock air cleaner on a Packard is pure sacrilege. But have you tried pricing an original for a 50s Packard air cleaner lately?
They replaced the carb with a modern Edelbrock. Unfortunately the original air cleaners for this and other classics dont fit the larger air horn.
M
Yes, Mark, I looked again at the only engine picture, and they did replace the original carb with an Edelbrock. I’m surprised they found an adaptor/spacer to get the Edelbrock to fit the original intake. Looks like it sold for$9700 and worth every dollar.