Even today, Packard’s sad end is fuel for historical analysis, but regardless of the circumstances behind its demise, nobody could argue that Packard knew how to build a limousine. Even in its arguably diluted ’50s form, this big Packard would have been right at home in front of the UN headquarters, or a big city gala, or a Hollywood premiere. Henney Motor Company of Freeport, Illinois, was tasked with turning the Patrician into the Executive Limousine; only 35-40 got the treatment in ’54, after which, Henney promptly went out of business. A Minnesota dealer is offering this limousine on eBay as an auction with a “Buy It Now” option of $23,980.
The 1954 Packard was the last and most powerful of a long line of straight eights. Punching in at a massive 359 cubic inches and breathing through a four-barrel carburetor, this big flathead produced 212 horsepower, a record for American straight eights as far as I know. Backing up the 359 was a three-speed manual; one might expect an automatic, but chauffeurs were expected to shift imperceptibly, and the manual might have been a more efficient way of channeling the eight’s torque to the rear wheels of this heavy limousine than Packard’s Ultramatic.
Fitted out for eight passengers and riding a 149-inch wheelbase, Packard didn’t forget why it was once represented as one of the “three P’s” of luxury cars. The interior of this Executive is immaculate, and you’d have no shortage of clientele should you decide to get into the wedding limo business.
The driver’s compartment of a limo was never as posh as the rear seating area; you’ll get a vinyl bench on which to pass the time, but your view over the Packard’s long hood is rewarding, and there appears to be an aftermarket compressor under the hood for an air conditioning system, so you’ll stay cool in your tuxedo.
The seller says that this last of the Henney limousines “runs and drives great,” has nice paint with good, straight bodywork, and is ready to be enjoyed in whatever capacity you choose. I’m not one for being tied down by a limo-renting business, so I’d buy it and cruise around with my wife in the back, living the high life, pretending like we’re going somewhere important. In reality, I’ll be wearing shorts and a car T-shirt, but if you buy the car, your rules apply. Let us know if you’re the one to live the limo lifestyle, and how you’re going to live it.
What? No Ultramatic? I don’t even see an Electromatic clutch or OD, a $119 option but I do see what appears to be some sort of hydraulic ride control on the firewall. The stick was probably adequate for the 70,000 parade miles, I doubt this car ever went very far. The clutch linkage in one photo, was novel, it made clutching a breeze. I read, for ’54, the transmission was called the “gear start Ultramatic” and can’t seem to find a cost, but it had to be at least 20% of the car. The A/C here was added later, as Packards A/C, I believe, would fill the trunk with gizmos. P/S and 12V also added later. I may be partial, but this car still looks stately. With only eight(8) viewers,( 7 minus me) appeal is limited, and you know what would boost that number considerable,,yep, the Ultramatic.
Crickets Howard. Nothing crickets…… Love the car.
I love Packard cars. My favourite post war Packards are the 1951 and 1955 Patrician or 400 four doors. This ’54 is very similar to the 1951, though I did not like the 1953 facelift. But you can keep the limo version: one can’t FIT it anywhere! In order for me to light-up for a car, it must be PRACTICAL to own and use — and a limo simply is not so. And I could not see a Packard of this vintage with a standard shift. Sorry — someone else can enjoy this one — not for me — and not in black, thank you!
Quite a car. Info on history would be interesting (to me, at least).
Beautiful.
Beautiful. Stately. Patrician in every way. 🫶
Man, I wish I had the money. The ultimate’50’s Packard in my opinion. I dunno if it would fit in my garage. Where’s my tape measure…..
This car would be appropriate for a funeral home’s fleet. Stylish, stately, should I add…gothic?
Just one word – LOVE!
240″ length on the limo. That’s 20′! So you must have deep garage, not the typical 20 X 20 they put on most houses and condos.
It would fit my garage, but not my pocketbook!
Beautiful looking car. This is my favourite year for Packard.
Michael Corleone
Someone needs to make an offer he can’t refuse! 🏰 💍 🔫 😎 .
This was the final year for Packard’s magnificent straight 8 engine. It had been totally reworked and was the most powerful straight 8 ever. This 1954 Packard is a fine car that oozes with Packard tradition. Unfortunately, the American public saw this vehicle as old when new. Packard had to change in order to survive and they did. But unfortunately, as part of this attempt to survive, they bought Studebaker. Packard’s demise was quick after that. What an American loss. It shouldn’t have happened.
Sorry, That distinction should go to the Duesenburg series. 280 hp naturally aspirated, 320 hp w/supercharger.
The A/C compressor was always in the engine bay and the author is correct on it being a replacement. The evaporator and blower are in the rear trunk area and the intake air scoops can be seen on each on the top of quarter panels. A/C was a Packard option in 1954.
I think the chauffeurs seat is leather, judging from the looks of the seat creases and crevice’s. Vinyl doesn’t usually age like that. It looks like there are “jump” seats located in the back of the front seat.
It is a stately automobile that still has a commanding presence 71 years later and it looks amazingly well preserved.
One website states only 35 of these were produced and the 1954 price was $7,255 or $85,437, today.
The thing I love most about Packards was their slogan “Ask the man who owns one!” The account I read said it was an off-the-cuff remark to a customer phone call from a man requesting sales literature. Mr. Packard said to the secretary “tell him we don’t have any sales literature, O just tell him to ask the man who owns one!” It was a slogan that was confident, but understated, just like the cars Packard built. He knew Packard owners loved their cars and anyone who drove one could explain their choice more eloquently than an ad campaign. As a result, he could rely on word of mouth to sell them.
OK. Here goes! FYI, James J Nance (head of PACKARD) told Dick Teague (head of styling) to *Do Something about those Bull nut tail lights (check out photo of rear) for 55 PACKARD and Clipper. In a single week end, Teague created the beautiful Cathedral tail lights. Another point of interest is LAST DAYS IN THE BUNKER which tells the story of PACKARDS efforts to survive. And Indeed *Ask the Man Who Owns One * was long PACKARDS motto. I didn’t know how it originated. Thanks for sharing it. It’s amazing what we learn here in the BARN! 👍
Fingers and toes crossed,so far I’m the high bidder
Congratulations. I hope you can SOON say *Ask the Man Who Owns One! *👍
Lazy on call back requesting further information?
My final bid was 18,100″lost bid” they offered me the car for 21,499 I declined
Hello, Bob! I guess, then, the saga continues…
Are you sure this isn’t a government car 🤔? Seems like the entire process is worse than red tape associated with most government agencies. 😲 😅 🤣. Just keep Bobbin along. 👍
Hi Rick, you know what they say about RED TAPE, if it was nutritious we could feed all of the starving in the World in a matter of days !
Are you sure this isn’t a government car 🤔? Seems like the entire process is worse than red tape associated with most government agencies. 😲 😅 🤣. Just keep Bobbin along. 👍
Car is relisted on eBay I’m the only bidder so far?
Good luck Bob, I sold a 1952 Packard 200 sedan last week and it’s on it’s way to Tasmania, (state of Australia). It sold for $13,000 Aus dollars, I had trouble selling it, seems no one wants these old clunkers anymore. Mine was auto but it was like driving a truck, you had to work at it, heavy steering, no power brakes, in general mine was in good overall condition, no rust, paint and body good and everything worked well, the modern cars have spoilt us, so effortless to drive these days. Good luck with the bidding buddy.
Did you get the car?