Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have a chance at a '53 Clipper 4-Dr. I know these don't bring a lot of money. I think I can get this car for $2000. Original paint, original interior (nice) and all the pieces are there. The trunk is very clean as well. The car looks and is represented as a 55,000 mile car.

It has a small rust hole on the right fender under the body side spear. It needs brakes and tires. The engine runs smooth and quiet, but it started with someone else's battery (yes, it needs a battery). The car is originally from Iowa. All of the chrome castings including the grille and hood ornament are badly pitted.

What is good about these cars and what is bad? What do I need to watch out for? The car has an Ultramatic. How do I tell a good one from a bad one if I can't drive it?

Also, what is part availability like? I admit I'm a bit spoiled buying parts for my '64 Studebaker Daytona.

I'd appreciate any and all help...

G'day Swifster,
See you've been a PackardInfo member for some time, but first post so

Can't advise on the good and the bad but, if you do buy the '53 Clipper Sedan, I invite you to include it in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Hi, for $2000.00 that does not sound too bad, if the body is in good shape. Do a lot of looking under the car and ask a lot of question about its up keep in the past. There are better people here that that give you better insight as to what to look for but for me just keep in mind is this for fun or money, because a lot of the time your never get your money back, but they can be a great deal of fun.
Wes

These are very pleasant and easy to drive with good ride, handling and visibility. Accel. will be slow off the line but the car will keep up with highway traffic.

All normal mechanical parts are easily obtainable. The chrome will take you directly to the poor house.

Without driving, the best you can do with the Ultramatic is just try each position and see if the trans goes into each gear promptly. The fluid should be red and not stink, but that is hard to check unless the car is on a lift or jackstands as the filler can only be reached from under the car.

Check that the car still has inner rocker panels and that the floor stringers are still welded to them. These disappear in the rust belt.

Paint/Body Work and Interior are the most expensive items on these cars. So if it has a good interior, you are halfway there. Mechanicals are actually the cheapest part of sorting one of these cars.

Take a look a my project blog is it will very similar to the car you are looking at. My car was the opposite, decent mechanicals, but needed two of everything else.

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll definitely go over the car again before diving in.