Packard 1956 Clipper Super Panama Hardtop Coupe CA Barn Find VIDEO "The Packrod"

Thanks for stopping by to take a look at our very cool 1956 Packard Clipper Super Panama Hardtop coupe. Considered THE most luxurious car of the 50’s the Clipper Super Panama Hardtop was the last of the best for this iconic brand.

Featuring all of the big chrome of the era, huge Dagmars lead the way and Chrome trim follows at every turn. She’s a real, pillarless hardtop coupe in beautiful TuTone Turquoise over White. Formal fender skirts and tail lights evocative of our rocketship futures. A big, quiet, American V8 engine, a smooth automatic transmission, electric torsion bar suspension and tredle-vac brakes made this car a dream to drive.

We discovered this Barn Find in the little town of Alpine California. She was backed into the barn/garage at the top of a hill and left some 30 plus years ago. We dug her and a couple of sister Packards out of the overgrowth.

She was in amazingly good condition. We went through our wake up process and found that she was more than ready to run. Gaskets and fluids were pulled and replenished. The brake systems were cleaned and rebuilt. Wearables were replaced and accessories like starter, generator, battery, etc are new. The radiator and gas tank were removed, cleaned, repaired, coated and reinstalled

Rarity

1956 was the first and final year of production for the Clipper Super Panama Coupe, the only year of production for Packard’s new brand, Clipper. Records show 3,999 cars were built but very few cars have survived over the last 61 years. Many were rebadged Packard at the dealer level but this car is a true example of an unabused original. As a complete and intact, running survivor, we believe the car to be reasonably rare.

Exterior

Beautiful Patina over the entire car. Original Nitro Lacquer Turquoise and White paint shines up nicely and matches the paint codes exactly. There are nicks and scratches but no evidence of any accidents or body repairs ever being done. Chrome is weathered and pitted in some places. It is complete and undamaged. The car presents beautifully and always draws a crowd.

Floors/Rust damage

The floors are California solid and unblemished. Check the pics. This is a California car and it shows. Check the photos or better yet, come see the car in person.

Wheels, Tires

20” wheels are fitted. We do have the original wheels, lugs and caps if you would prefer the stock appearance.

Engine

352 V8 runs nicely. Freshly serviced. New starter and accessories. Logo’d Star Wars air cleaner. New gaskets, freeze plugs, belts, hoses, plugs and wires. Carburetor rebuilt. Radiator serviced. Oil change and filter. Super quiet exhaust note, a keynote of Packard quality.

Transmission

The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.

Braking, Steering

The treadle vac brake system has been rebuilt as have the brakes at all four corners. Brake fluid has been replaced. All new wheel cylinders. Braking is good. Steering is precise and on point. Electric torsion bar suspension operational.

Service

Fresh service, turnkey and ready to go! Coolant, oil, filters, hoses and belts. Brake service. Plugs, points, wires, cap, gaskets.

Trim

The chrome trim is in good survivor shape. Some pitting and wear can be seen, see pics and video. PACKROD Emblems are our in-house design and are removeable.

Glass

The glass is in good condition for its age.

Interior

Nice original upholstery, headliner and trim. New replacement carpet kit. All windows work. Beautiful detailed dash and gauges. Seatbelts are now in stock and will be installed. (seatbelts were not standard on automobiles until 1964) Locking glove box with working light. Two sets of keys.

Audio

OEM AM Radio works fine. Antenna does not retract.

Trunk

Excellent condition. Trunk light works. Spare wheel and good tire. Solid - No rust. A huge trunk by any standard.

Odometer

The odometer shows 78270 miles. This is likely correct.

Documentation and DMV

• TitleThe title is clear. Original small California “pink slip”

• Plates (2)Original CA Black Plates match title.

• Photo CDA photo CD with 50 plus photos is included

• Build BookA binder including receipts, documentation, history and valuations.

Comparables

There are very few comparable late model Packard cars for sale at this time. Factor in the rare Panama hardtop coupe, a running and driving car, and it becomes a very short list. Given the extreme scarcity of available cars, The Packrod represents an outstanding value that can be enjoyed immediately as well as being an appreciating investment in automotive art.

Please come inspect this great Packard Super Clipper before the listing ends. We are happy to meet you and show her off. Please keep in mind that this is a used car. It is not a new car and will not be fresh and perfect like that new soul sucking Camry your Aunt Betty drives. If that’s what you are after, this is not your era, nor your car.

Please enjoy this walk around and test drive.