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

I came across this a Packard yesterday during a VIN verification job in San Leandro, CA and thought I would share. It is obviously a 1953 Clipper but it has a 1951 front clip and even the dash appears to be 1951. It also has 1954 senior headlight rings.

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Hi Don, it would be interesting to have a look at the frame as this might be a 70's or later repair with parts that were readily available. Otherwise, someone built a Packard out of parts. We don't see that too often in the Packard World, but in the world of Model A Fords, we see it all the time. Still most interesting...Ernie in Arizona

It was a customer's car for the export company I was visiting so I didn't want to touch it but I'm reasonably sure it has an original Packard chassis, probably 1953. I used to have a 1951 300 with a 1954 roof that had been expertly grafted in so when I first got the car it took a while to spot what was wrong!

This 'bitsa' reminds me of Packards encountered when they were just old used cars, repaired after frontal collision damage with whatever available used parts would fit. It was a common practice for any and all makes when the car was still good and usable enough to repair but had too little value to worry over correct details.

Steve

I finally got the photos to upload and note the bumper lights front and rear and the spotlight on the mirror. It also has the accessory fuel door edge protector. Visible in the second photo of the front side are the filled holes from the original fender trim which was apparently located slightly lower. I couldn't get far enough away for a photo of the other side as it was packed in too closely.

In the background of one of the photos and barely visible is the roof of a beautiful 1965 Imperial Crown Coupe, black on black, that would be a nice match for my black 1965 Imperial LeBaron!

I agree...At this point the 'Old Packard' was most likely a second car or the 'Go To Work Car' for the bread winner. Ernie in Arizona