Barn Find/1 of 9,127 Produced/352ci V8 4-Barrel Carb/Project Car

1955 Packard Patrician

A Patrician is defined as belonging to Noblemen or Aristocracy. Definitely a high brow term, and in 1955 Packard produced 9,127 of the Patricians by designer Dick Teague. The design was much like the luxury liners of the day and made heavy use of chrome and two toning. Sadly, this car model only lasted one more model year through 1956, and then was replaced.

Gracing our various rooms are plenty of interesting and somewhat rare examples of various classic cars, and this one is a nice addition to the consignment collection. A bit of a barn find, with its rusted door panels, missing side trimming pieces, and dulled and pitted chrome trimmings for the bumpers and badges. An unusual example with equally unique design elements that tried to set it apart from the other offerings of the big 3.

Exterior
Jade Green bathes all the large steel panels on the lower part of this car. All this is broken up by numerous chrome trimmings some in poor condition, others looking good. A second color is introduced on the roof in a Tourmaline Green hue. This carries downward to the A, B and C pillars and also utilizes stainless trim for the window surrounds...the windshield surround is missing. Up front the "bat mobile-esque" headlights and bezels flank an angled grille and large lower bumper sporting dual dagmars, all chrome and no rubber tips. Turning the corner from the bumper, a wide trim forms and runs through the door panel, and ending on the rear quarter in a vertical faux air intake. On back dual cathedral styled taillights form the back of the rear quarters, and float above a rear bumper which creates an insert for these taillights, and also a frame for the round tailpipes. The bumper is a bit faded and shows signs of aging with minimal surface rust. Some badging is also missing throughout.

Interior
A very interesting mixture of vinyl, fabric, carpet and metal unfortunately it has been ravaged by water damage on the door panels. The doors show toggles for power windows. Inside 2 bench seats form the passenger compartment seating and are covered in light and dark teal velour and matched together with piping. The original dash is present, which is also two tone utilizing a gold metal mesh punched panel, and surrounding Tourmaline Green. All the instruments are in chromed bezels within the gold mesh and this is fronted by an original two tone white and Tourmaline Green steering wheel made of bakelite. Gauges and knobs are bit faded but retain their original design from the factory including the radio insert. Above is a beautifully preserved felt headliner nice and tight in gray. Carpets are in tourmaline and show fading and some dry rotting.

Drivetrain
A 352ci V8 topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed up with a 2-speed Twin Ultramatic automatic transmission with a rear axle of 3.54 ratio is seen. This power plant sits within an original engine bay and is unrestored with some peeling paint.

Undercarriage
A fine coating of surface rust is seen overall underneath and on the X frame. Rockers are a little rough with some invasive rust, and previous repairs noted. Torsion bars all around with level ride capabilities makes up the self-leveling suspension. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
While the engine does turn over, we could not get it to start. Suffice to say some elbow grease and TLC are in order here.

A barn find plus condition car with some invasive rust, decent metal panels, chrome and unrestored engine bay. A rare survivor with some work could be a truly valuable collector item. It has the right lines, and design screaming Packard trying to stand alone from the pack.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Please note, this vehicle does not come with a battery.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.