Re: '55 Request!!!

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/11/25 9:48:45

HH56, the car has had it's mechanical details attended to and was quite driveable, joining us on a couple of driving events, but it's full restoration is still pending. As you may recall, when Larry Dopp (or Dopps) found it years ago on the West Coast, it was in deplorable condition, had been in a severe accident, and was repaired to presentable condition at the time but not what you'd call a restoration. This work was pretty well photo-documented in an issue of The Packard Cormorant some years ago. There are misaligned body panels and the like, and the major project to which I think you refer are the front bumper halves which are made up of many separate (bronze?) sections brazed together, extremely heavy and in poor condition. As I recall, the car again made the show circuit for Packard in 1956 and thus has 1956 upholstery - I don't know Mr. Marano's plans with regard to the restoration of that.

The car abounds in interesting little odd details. For example though the taillights look to be 55/56 lamps, they are not the same - perhaps early prototype units but different lenses and different casting. Other similar features throughout the car. I suspect the next time we see it, it will be stunning.

EDIT: It does not have a body serial number or thief-proof number, and is vehicle-numbered as a 55 400, #1003; presumeably #s 1 and 2 were preproduction prototypes of the 400 to-be, and the third was diverted to this project? Just my own conjecture.

Another photo, rear view, from Gettysburg, again courtesy of Mike Grimes. And a photo that better shows the alignment issues with the hood, grille and bumpers, this photo by myself.

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