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

New here.The members make this a wealth of knowledge which I have spent many hours reading. Now I would like your opinions on making a auto purchase. These are my two options. 1953 Clipper Deluxe.59700 miles.Extensive repairs in last 4 years. Orig 2 tone paint.This is a driver, no problems, everything works. Second option, 1948 2262 4dr sedan.15,000 orig miles. Orig Paint,nearly all options were purchased when new. Interior is unbelievable clean.Owner sent pics of slight body damage over the years, very up front.It also has the ElectroMatic trans option. Every thing.works, it is a driver.Owner has taken two 500 mile trips no problems.Both are close in price,but I will have to spend at least $1500 to move the 2262 and I could posssibly drive the clipper home. I know in 1953 Packard was struggling with money and labor strikes. Was the build quailty better in 1948. Some think both models are ugly but I like them both and these are models I could afford. I am no mechanic so I am not looking to spend hours doing that.I just want a auto I can enjoy.I would see each car before a final decision. I look forward to all opinions and advice. Thank you!

Both are well-built and reliable cars, and neither has an obvious investment advantage over the other, so it really comes down to what you'd like to drive. The 22nd Series has less to go wrong with it, but you will also be stuck with shifting your own gears and steering & braking under your own power -- not sure of your age, but for those of us who are getting up there, it's something to keep in mind. On the other hand, the Clipper DeLuxe could offer you the options of having or installing Ultramatic, power steering, and Easamatic power brakes, but if you end up having transmission or brake booster trouble, you might have a challenge finding a skilled mechanic who can fix those vintage transmissions and those pesky Treadle-Vacs.

I would lean towards the 2262, just because the Super Deluxe is a nice package with a little bit more of that traditional regal Packard bearing. Plus, an original 15,000 mile car is almost always a delight. But you really can't go wrong either way!

The 1953 Clipper has power steering and auto transmission.The transmission has been serviced. A classic car dealer had the car and did a lot of repairs. I talked to the guy who bought it, He put 700 miles on it. He thought he would enjoy the hobby, displaying the car at shows etc. He said sitting out in the heat for a car meet was not his idea of fun. I just don't know about service. There are two places near me, 35 miles away, that restore and work on cars from fifties thru the 70's. One has restored one of the classic convertibles and has it for sale on internet.He kept the body but updated engine and drivetrain so its not a real restoration to me. The only Packard I ever had any contact with was 1941 120. Road like a dream and could fly down the road. Another poster thought the auto trans would be a problem but some posters have said their's work great. thanks for your input.

The regular Ultramatics made thru mid 54 are good reliable units as long as it has had decent service and you drive with a little decorum. If it has been serviced by a good mechanic I wouldn't hesitate to drive one cross country. The transmission is unique so It takes a bit of getting used to because they are essentially a single speed non shifting transmission. The car starts and stays in either high or low range depending on your gear selection. There is one transition from converter drive to direct drive in either gear which happens at a speed anywhere from approx 20 to maybe 40 depending on throttle. That is not an actual shift but rather a clutch plate coming in to lock the converter into a single unit. The direct drive will drop out and go back into converter for increased acceleration when you floor the accelerator if the car is below approx 50. If over that speed it stays in direct drive. When coming to a stop direct drive will drop out at approx 11mph so the engine won't stall.

The biggest issue in driving comes when the operator manually changes gears, particularly if he chooses to shift into low for a faster takeoff from a stop. Once the car is moving he wants to shift into high range again. Problem with that action is the trans wasn't designed for that operation so there is no timing in the trans between low range band release and high range clutch application. If one lags and one comes in early the engine will bog way down because both gears are selected or if the opposite happens it could run unloaded because neither gear is engaged. With the latter situation If engine suddenly has to slow down because a gear finally engages a considerable amount of stress is generated in the transmission. If you are going to drive with low to high manual shifts, by all means let off on the gas while the change is made and don't accelerate again until the shift has completed. Trying to keep up with the Porsche club or being the first to the next stoplight is definitely discouraged.

Packard realized the shifting problem and tried to help the situation by making an improved timing kit available in 54. That helped but did not solve the entire problem. The 53 could possibly have the kit installed but still it is best to use restraint. The issue was finally addressed with the late 54 gear start which had a selection for the automatic low to high shift and on to direct drive. Unfortunately there were some teething problems so the Ultras started getting a reputation. That was only worsened when essentially the same straight 8 gear start transmission was placed behind the high horsepower V8 engine in 55. By the time 56 rolled around and almost all the problems had been addressed, it was too late.

Service can be a big item. The transmission is constructed quite differently than most automatics and very few mechanics understand them or will take the time to do things properly -- if they even agree to look at one. There are only a few mechanics around today that can really work on them with any hope of a true factory or dealer quality job . Improper service, failure to replace worn parts -- particularly bushings and even the main shaft -- during a rebuild or improper adjustment -- particularly in the throttle linkage -- can make things go down hill in a hurry. The fluid path moves thru rotating shafts and relies on tight bushings around the shaft to maintain pressures. Any wear that results in pressure loss and things start to slip and overheat. Pressures also depend on the throttle linkage. More throttle and higher pressure is called for and that is determined by the adjustment.

Hi Fred

Welcome! We'll be glad to have you in the Packard fold! Take all the advice given to heart, these men have had considerable experience with these fine cars.

To select the one you'd most like to own and live with, there is no substitute for inspecting and driving them in person. And, because you're mostly 'sold' on either car, have a knowledgeable but disinterested fellow accompany you, to give you a clear-eyed assessment of the drawbacks and 'warts' that might be invisible to you.

Good luck with your assessments of each and selection of the final purchase. Please post your new Packard here and join in the fun!

Steve

Good advice and information from of all the above. Especially liked Howard's explanation of the Ultramatics' functions. While they are both Packards, they are much different looking and driving motor cars. Each as their pluses and minuses. You may want to look at a few more Packards before deciding. There are many out there in both body styles.

You may even want to consider a pre-war Packard as the 1940s and 41s have most all the features found on the post-war cars up to 1950, but with the classic Packard look.

You can search the ads on this site, the PAC site (two places here - classifieds and discussion forum), and the Packard section on the AACA site. Then there is eBay and the InterWeb postings. Good hunting!

(o{}o)

Hi Fred:

In Florida I would go for the 48 model only because the glass area obscures the damaging Florida sun. Whichever you decide upon, I would take it to a trim shop and have slip covers made for the interior because that Florida sun will turn it into dust.