1956 Packard Clipper

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2019/5/22 4:44:30

I was inspired by the results achieved by Jason on his barn find Packard 200, which superficially looked a lot worse than my recently-acquired Clipper. Having done the rounds of the usual repairers, and being given frightening estimates of A$25K++ to redo the paintwork, I have opted to approach the decrepit paintwork problem differently and will have a go at cleaning up the original interior myself.

The Clipper is a 1956 Deluxe (standard) model with the Twin Ultramatic auto transmission, Torsion ride suspension and LSD. It was imported new in Right Hand Drive into Australia by Kellow-Falconer, the Rolls Royce - and long standing Packard - dealers in Melbourne. When the car was about 30 years old (mid-80s), it was restored cosmetically and repainted dark blue (Packard Blue?). It was originally yellow with a white roof. The dark blue suits it well. I plan to keep it the same colour to simplify paintwork options. It appears that it underwent quite a bit of mechanical work about ten years ago. Everything still works as it should and it drives extremely well. The Torsion ride suspension is a real revelation.

The main cosmetic issue now is the paintwork, which is showing its age with quite a bit of crazing on top of the fenders and some bubbling on the left lower rear guard. The best paint is on the trunk and hood lids (boot and bonnet in our parlance). A couple of the side window glasses are beginning to delaminate, but not bad enough to replace yet, and the interior is pretty tired but fundamentally sound. It's fitted with a local radio which still seems to work and a local Smiths heater of unknown state. It has a modern radio fitted inside the glove compartment.

I will try to get some pics to illustrate the "before" state. Meanwhile, the car is quite usable. It is historic registration here, and being driven regularly.

Brian