Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The Copart thread got me thinking, so if you look through the options list (1955 | 1956) for the V-8's you will notice that a number of things that one might assume to be standard are in fact options.

Some examples are an manual transmission 55 and a 55 Custom without TL, both of which I've seen in person. Something like Clipper reverse lights seem ubiquitous, but from time to time a car will come up for sale without them. (Or even be missing one.) However, I've never seen, in person or for sale, a V8 without a radio, heater or oil filter. Likewise I've never seen a Clipper Deluxe or Super with factory A/C, though per the rosters, a small number were made, mostly in '56.

And though it was never factory, an honorable mention goes to the couple people who converted their senior Packards to a manual transmission.

What are some of the strangest optioned cars you've ran into over the years?

I recall a very nice mid-sixties Impala Chevrolet convertible... red, white leather, console, air, .... six cylinder engine.

How about the 1940 110 with factory a/c that was at Hershey this year

Quote:

The original low and slow? 😂

Two rareish options:

1) The peacock hood ornament/ antenna
2) The 51-54 rear windshield wiper.

I guess they are technically accessories.

Also, factory A/C in a Carribean.

Quote:For Chevrolet, the body style and trim level were two options and the engine was another separate option. It was common to see Super Sport trim hardtops and convertibles with six-cylinders or 2-bbl 283"s and 409" engines in Biscayne 2-door post cars.

Similarly, Studebaker-Packard dealers would build anything the customer wanted. The senior cars with manual transmissions usually came about because the Twin Ultramatic had failed so many times the customer didn't want to deal with it any more. The late Steve Williams owned a Caribbean converted to manual transmission by the San Francisco dealership.

Those of us working with the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk routinely come across cars with 374" and/or Caribbean 2x4-bbl conversions; the owners insist it was special ordered that way. The factory never built them that way, but the owners prefer to believe their own version.

There was one factory special order '56 Golden Hawk which has been documented. An owner ordered a solid gray exterior and a red leather interior. This was not a factory option, but they did have the seats done by an outside upholstery shop and put the notation on the production order.

jack vines

Randy (Randy Berger) once explained to me the 1956 Twin Traction differential. Since I read so little about it, I suspect that this is also a rare option.

Several years back there was a 1953 or 1954 long wheelbase sedan with manual transmission, standard brakes and steering. No radio or, as I recall, heater heater either. Probably bought new by a funeral home on a very tight budget!

1955 Clipper with leather interior. I think that is a rare options.