Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I know this will be easy for you guys. Tell what you see wrong with this 55 Constellation.

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most obvious is the paint

Early Clippers in 55 used the same sort of paint scheme as the 55 Pontiac.That looks correct for an early car.

GTO, you are right, but on the early Clippers the trim strip from the front fender went straight back and did not curve down to the rocker molding. The later Clippers had the curved trim strip and this area was painted a contrasting color when the cars were painted with two-tone color schemes. Looks like a later 55 with an early type paint scheme. Never the less, it is an attractive Constellation.

(o{}o)

Well, I knew I would learn something. I just thought the paint scheme was wrong but I didn't know that the early 55 Constellations were different. AS stated, it's still a nice example for sure. I think I would like the trim to go straight back instead of curved down. How hard would it be to make one with curved trim to go straight back?

Constellations and Panamas always had the curved trim strip and the scallop was painted to match the upper when the car was two toned. Only the sedans had the early- year change to avoid the Pontiac similarity. Or more to the point, the Pontiac trim scheme was too similar to the 54 Carry Beans.

Some folks just don't like the scallop and leave it lower color. That problem can be fixed in a short afternoon if you prefer the contrasting scallop.

I think it is a pretty car just the way it is. As I recall when I was teenager, it was possible to factory order paint, accessories, engines, etc. for dealerships. Did Packard have a similar setup in 1955?