Used 1955 Packard Clipper for sale in Morgantown, PA

1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama

Dramatic design gives this hardtop all the verve of a south of the border fete day. It urges you to get behind the wheel just as Latin American Music urges you to dance. It's a gay and graceful sort of car, with the lilt of its lines, the harmony of its interiors and the rhythm of its powerful 225hp V8 engine.

For consignment, a 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama. Your eyes will dance through the lines of this two toner with some space age styling, wrap around glass which was all the rage during this automotive era, and of course solid bumpers on either end. Some recent rebuilds to the transmission, brake lines, 4-barrel carburetor, and master cylinder to make this power brakes grab. Check this chicka out!

Exterior
Break out the maracas, light a fire and serve some poi on a banana leaf and let's get this party started. Upfront with Batmobile styling for the St Louis arch shaped headlights and the electric shaver grille below. There is a boat steering wheel badge in the center of the grille (all aboard!). A big bumper is framing the bottom of this car and a single chromed "Dagmar" rests on the near edges before the big wrap around. Above the grille is a wide chromed trimming that eventually turns into what will be a drop spear that goes to the edge of the doors. Within this area it is painted Onyx and has a clipper badge on the front quarter. The hood, and mid section of this car is bathed in Opal Fire and then another chromed trimming starts at the front door sill and drops to the rear quarter where it runs to the taillights. This area is Onyx, as is the roof, which has a beautifully V shaped B-pillar on back with a Packard badge. Space age rocket nosed taillights are sitting in a V shaped chromed tray if you will and the backup lights are just below. The rear bumper is dulled and appears to be painted and has lost its luster. Chromed dog dish wheel coverings are wrapped with wide whites on all 4 corners. Aye caramba!

Interior
Packards were known for their edgy design and this interior does not disappoint on that front. Heavy use of red vinyl covered panels and red painted steel for the door panels uses a bit of white triangulated pattern vinyl for the centers, and then more red for the armrest. The driver's armrest shows wear and tear. Inside a red tub cradles a split back front bench which uses a tuck and roll red covered vinyl bolster and some gray broadcloth inserts. These are soiled and dirty. The rear bench is covered with the same materials and patterns and is also soiled and dirty. Upfront behind the original big steering wheel, is a red painted metal dash that has an aluminum textured panel for the gauges. These are all circular with a shiny bezel and gold accenting in a blackface field. Some sliders flank the steering column and a centrally located painted red glove box is just under the aluminum insert which sports a Clipper badge and small round clock in front of the passenger. Faded red carpeting floods the floors front and rear and a white headliner is above.

Drivetrain
Within the engine bay is an original 320ci V8 engine which is unrestored and showing some dirt and dust throughout. A single 4-barrel carburetor is on top, and a 2-speed Ultramatic automatic transmission is on back with a 3.23 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Some heavy surface rust is seen and on the rear roll pan underneath is invasive rust. A new fuel tank and lines have been installed. A surface rusted X frame supports floor pans which have some rust proofing sprayed on them. The front suspension and rear suspension show heavy surface rust but remain structurally sound. Power drum braking is on all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
This car starts in a flash and is off to the test track in its well worn style. Here it did nicely with smooth shifting and acceleration, good braking, and smooth overall ride. All functions were in working order.

She will need a bit of TLC to bring it back to Glorioso, however the car is a good runner and is solid mechanically with the recent rebuilds. Cosmetically it will need to have a brush up, but it would be worthwhile as this is a not oft seen car. Packard would soon be no longer, but its innovative design remains timeless.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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 and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.