These are rather sad photos, when viewed as a group. Seventy-two years ago this plant was rolling out the new Clippers and other fine cars, with thousands of employees working within these walls supporting their families and taking pride in what they were building. There were esigners planning new models for the future. New Packards in a variety of colors rolled out of this plant destined for dealerships around the United States and Canada and other countries. The name Packard, as shown in one of the slides, made a statement about quality, innovation, and status. When a family bought a new Packard built in this plant it was a big deal. In family albums there are old photos of mothers, fathers, and children taken next to their new 120 or Clipper or other models. Now the people who once worked for Packard in this plant are in their late 70s or 80s. One day, like this plant, they too will be gone. It is a shame that this plant had to get to this state; I'm sure James Ward Packard would prefer another auto manufacturer be in it cranking out cars today, rather than see his dream turned to rust and debris, its walls spray-painted with gang grafitti and windows broken by vandals. Every car represents someone's dream, hard work, and hope, no matter whether it is a Bugatti, a Fiat, a Rambler, or a Packard. Cars gave Americans the freedom to move when and where they wished. This plant gave Americans one of those cars. It's up to us to keep at least a part of that dream alive.

These are pretty good tip sheets:

http://www.examiner.com/article/david-leger-s-tips-for-winterizing-your-classic-car

http://briarcliffclassic.com/2011/12/winterizing-tips-for-your-classic-car/

http://www.timelessrides.com/blog/preservation/winterizing-your-classic-car

I believe that using antifreeze in old cars is a good idea, but I have to think that these cars were routinely tested by Packard for temperatures below zero. Having lived in communities in the White Mountains of Arizona and Northern California, my cars would sit outside in extremely cold weather and I had no problems with the blocks. You crack the block when you add cold water to an overheated engine without any coolant or water in the system. While most garages may get cold inside, they generally stay warmer than the outside temperature. Just to be on the safe side, you could probably cover the engine with a couple of old blankets if you wanted. After changing the coolant in the car, it's a good idea to start and run the car several times during the winter because that keeps the oil and coolant distributed throughout the engine. Let the car really warm up before shutting it off.

Wow! Those are both beautiful cars. I bet they drive just as nice as they look. 1955 Clippers come up for sale in Hemmings from time to time.

It's too bad the mechanic wanted the car solely for the engine. I figure that if the car is clean, as yours appears to be, pulling the engine from it literally relegates it to scrap or a parts car. A real shame. But who knows? There is always a chance it could still be around.

You should check out Henry's 55 Constellation. This young guy in Texas is doing a frame-off restoration of one of those cars and you should see what it looked like when he started.

I really like the color combination. If you have the VIN, you may be able to track where your car is today. You might be surprised!

JW:

Thank you for this information. That probably explains why I have not received any reply. Your reference to your father's Clipper sounds intriguing. There cannot have been that many of them around in New Mexico and there is no reason to believe that the car could not have made it to Santa Fe. Is there any way you could find out information about your father's car? The VIN is 5567 4236. I have a partial receipt for service in Albuquerque in 1962. I will try to see if I can get a name off of it, though it didn't look like I can. I certainly appreciate the tips that you provided and will follow up on them.

Stay tuned ...

Craig

I knew I shouldn't have whined ...

The following e-mail was at my office this morning from Stuart Blond:

"Thank you for your e-mail of last week. I am sorry that it has taken me this long to answer you.

"I have updated the records for your car on the V-8 Roster, and have attached a copy of the 5567 pages for you.

"Except for the 1956 Caribbean convertibles, I do not have the delivery records for the 1955-56 Packard V-8s. However, I can make an educated guess as to when your car was produced.

"The 1955 Packards were introduced on January 17, 1955 and production continued until early November 1955. As your car was the 3,236th produced out of a total of 6,672 (1955 Clipper Custom Constellations), that would put it right before the halfway point of production. Thus, I am
calling the date late-May / early-June 1955.

"I hope that this information has helped you, and I wish you good luck with both your car and your search for information about it."

I am glad to know this stuff and I thanked Mr. Blond for the info. Hopefully more good news is on the way.
both your car and your search for information about it.

While I am trying to search for information, there are a few things that are a little disheartening. I have sent letters and e-mails to governement agencies and to the New Mexico Packards club and no one has replied. And I sent these out almost a month before Christmas. I guess I shouldn't gripe ... just got to be patient!

Welcome and Seasons Greetings!

Like you, I am a fairly recent Packard owner and I lived for years in Arizona. I am a graduate of ASU and my wife graduated from NAU.

I have a 1955 Clipper Custom Constellation that I bought last June near Richmond, VA. I live in Oakton, VA. I'll get back to you after the holidays.

Craig