1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Auction|2 June 2019, 11:00 EDT|Greenwich

1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper
Chassis no. 21226676

356ci L-Head Inline 8 Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
165bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Coil Spring Front with Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Largely original interior
*Recipient of 3 Hershey AACA HPOF awards
*Effortlessly stylish postwar sedan
*Ready for touring

THE PORT-WAR PACKARD

Although its cars continued to be built to exemplary standards, Packard in the post-war years failed to match the pace of styling change that its customers, and the rest of the US auto industry, had come to accept as the norm. Nevertheless, Packards of the late 1940s - the elegant Clipper-style 21st Series in particular - are amongst the most collectible of post-war US automobiles. Packard had first applied the 'Clipper' name to a new eight-cylinder model in 1941. Although it used the existing One Twenty's engine, the '41 Clipper incorporated a new chassis and striking up-to-the-minute styling. Only one model was available initially, a four-door sedan, which was lower than any contemporary Packard and wider than just about any other car then on the US market. For 1942 the Clipper styling was extended to the most junior, six-cylinder line, previously known as the One Ten, and this resumed production in October 1945 almost unchanged as part of the 21st Series range for 1946. Powered by a 245.3ci (4,012cc) sidevalve engine producing 105bhp, the Clipper Six continued virtually unchanged, either stylistically or mechanically, for 1947, as did the larger eight-cylinder Packards. Not until the 1948 range was announced was there a wholesale restyling. By then the Clipper, last of the home-market six-cylinder Packards, had been dropped, though the name was later revived for a base-model eight.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The story of this Packard begins in California where its original owner purchased the car. While it was driven many miles, the Super Clipper was meticulously well maintained during this period despite the car passing through several owners. The interior had been well preserved, but unfortunately, the exterior began look tired. In the 1980's it was purchase by a CCCA member who had brought the body of the car back into good form and it was then used for touring. The Packard went through several more hands before the consigner made his purchase. In his time with the car, it was shown at Hershey were it gained several awards, primarily for its original interior.

Today, the car is offered with extensive files of invoices pertaining to the mechanical work. This Super Clipper is a wonderful example of one of the most stylish post war sedans and will be welcome on many more show fields in the years to come.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

Additional information

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