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1942 Packard Clipper Super Custom One-Eighty Convertible. Perhaps inspired by Packard designer Robin Jones renderings as shown in The Packard Cormorant, #73 winter 1993-1994. It is not likely that it is the long missing pre-war factory Clipper convertible test mule. The engine casting date is 8/1/41, # E500149. It starts easily, and runs well, without any overheating, strange noises, or smoke. The transmission, overdrive, electromatic clutch, brakes, etc. work properly. The power windows, seat, and top mechanism are all in place, and activate the hydraulic pump, but there is no fluid in the system. $43,500. Please call for an accurate description, additional information and photographs.

Daniel Shanahan 209 531-3095
245 Brown Street danshan1@att.net
Sebastopol, CA 95472

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While this custom Clipper convertible not factory, it looks to be a fine job of creating what Packard should have then. It would be helpful to have the Thief Proof Number (TPN) from the firewall to determine what 22nd-23rd Series model was used as a basis.

Steve

donor more likely 20th -21st series

I wondered that too. Seems if the fastest method to arrive at this car would be to begin with either the 127" wheelbase '48-'50 Custom or '49-'50 Super Deluxe convertible chassis frame and body structure as a basis. Re-skinning the quarter panels and doors with whatever door jam modifications and the 21st Series front clip would accomplish the major sheet metal changes. Adding '42 model year instrument panel, radiator grille and other details to complete the look.

The chassis frame and body structure are unique to the convertible. It would require considerable welding and fitting to make a 20th-21st Series club sedan body and chassis function as the same as the 22nd-23rd Series models cited.

It would be of interest to know how and what components they used to build this car.

Steve

Thank you. I appreciate your interesting insights.

The Anti-Theft number is 74173, on the passenger side of the firewall (dash in Packard speak). If someone wants to know, I can measure the thickness and dimensions of the frame. A very knowledgable friend will be able to look up that information in his extensive library of all things Packard.

Your theft-proof number is missing a digit, number should be a full 6 digits between the starting and ending triangular brackets. Can you supply the full number?

A 741xxx number could be a late 21st series body though there are early 22nd series Super Eights, primarily convertibles, with lower numbers. That break between 21st and 22nd series is one of the few instances where there isn't a well-defined and sharp dividing break between series, due most likely to the concurrent production of both series at the same time for several months. Check Bob Neal's book for more detail. I'll check my own raw database tomorrow to see if more clarity is suggested.

Opps! Thank you for helping with this.
The full anti-theft number is 734173

Motor number largely inconsistent with theft-proof number, it's a quite late body number and a very early motor number.

Hi Dave

Would the late TPN 734173 possibly put it beyond the last 23rd Series Custom Eight convertibles at the end of 1949?

Do you have late TPN's for 1950 Super Deluxe convertibles that are in the same range?

Steve

The TPN is WAY before the 23rd series. It's just past the origin of the 22nd series while the 21st series were still in production. The 23rd series begins at about 884xxx.