Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Last fall I bought a 1956 400 hardtop. The exterior is painted the original Scottish Heather and Dover White. The carpet is black, but it's loop pile and looks like a replacement. It's also about worn out. I'm wondering whether the car came from the factory with black carpet or perhaps some other color? Was there a selection to go with those exterior colors? Also, is loop pile correct for the car? I thought maybe Packard would have used a plush of some sort. Can carpet be purchased that's ready to install?

A lot of questions, I know, but I'd like to get new carpet and I'd like it to be authentic, so any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve in Indiana

You might check with Neal Porter and see what colors he has left in the reproduction carpet he had made several years ago. I believe his is all sold as bulk material so you would need a local upholsterer to finish it off and install it.


The 56 color and upholstery book is in the literature section and can give you an idea of what was available with the various trim codes or you can find a part number in the parts book since it lists bulk carpet that was available with various trim sets. Once you have that number, select the photo archive selection on the left menu and down at the bottom of the page that opens under parts plates, diagrams and material cards select the upholstery and material cards. Scroll thru to find the part number and there are some actual sample photos of the carpet material which give a fairly decent look at what the pattern might be.

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Carpet color in a Scottish Heather/Dover White 1956 Four Hundred would have been black. I have had three of these four Hundreds in that color scheme and knew of several others. Stock color was black for the carpet for this color scheme.

Check the Packard Club website. Neal Porter in Michigan had the 1956 carpet reproduced. A loop is NOT correct for 1956. I believe he is out of black but the colors he has can probably be dyed.

I bought carpet from Neil Porter for my Caribbean ( in addition to stainless brake lines which were an absolutely perfect fit). At that time he had someone creating carpet sets. My only serious issue with carpets was that they did not come with the integrated jute matting offered with most custom carpet sets.
They look nice but I know that there are show cars out there with incorrect tops and loop carpeting. If you plan to just drive and enjoy the car you may be happier and save money by purchasing a set from one of the regular suppliers. Pretty sure Kanter offers carpet sets and remember finding others when I was looking.

A lot of people sell carpet sets but Neal's is the carpet that is right for 1956. I bought enough carpet to do both my cars. My advice is to buy the carpet and have your upholstery shop sew and install it. You can get the correct heal pad from Steele Rubber.