Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello,

I have been offered a 56 Clipper Super with 38k miles. The car has one spot of rust starting to show in front of the pass rear wheel rocker. The rest of the car is remarkably rust free and 100% original. The car runs but sat for the last three years so, basic maintenance will be needed. What price range are these selling for? What should I be looking for besides the proper function of the push button trans.

Thanks
Chuck

G'day ChuckAZ,
to PackardInfo. But I'll leave to the informed V8 guys to respond to your questions.

However, if you buy the '56 Clipper Super, I invite you to include it in the Packard Owner's Registry.

ChuckAZ,
Any pictures of the car?

Does it start, or is it a dead car?

eBay, Craigslist, Hemings, PAC club, would give you an idea of what a 4 door super is going for.

Look it over as you would any car, condition of paint, interior, mechanical.

Pictures would help

Quote:
Check that the Torsion Level suspension is functioning and the car will level itself.

Not knowing how familiar you are with Ultramatics, a couple of things may be different that what you are used to. Assuming the car is driveable and you take it out, make sure both ranges work in the Ultramatic by selecting each range and starting from a dead stop. In H the trans starts somewhat leisurely in high and does not shift. It has only the one transition into direct drive as the torque converter locks up. If the trans is working well the transition into direct will barely be felt but after sitting for a long time there may be a groaning noise as the DD clutch engages. The sound is nothing to get excited about. Using the D button, car will start in low and there will be one shift into high range and then the transition into direct drive. If the car is stock, when the key is turned off the transmission will automatically go into park.

Some typical rust places are above the headlights where mud and dirt can get thrown up above the headlight buckets and sit. At the end of the front fenders -- actually all along the rockers -- and, if the trunk lid rubber is leaking rust can form in a narrow channel between the rear of the trunk floor and the vertical body panel below the lid.

ChuckAZ,
for including your '56 Clipper Super Touring Sedan in the Packard Vehicle Registry.