Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I've been wondering about something that in the Packard docs I have isn't clear and figure someone here might know. My Clipper has the rectangular speedo/clock and others of the same year and in '42 seem to have the round versions or dash (my manuals, etc. always only show the round version). I know there were a few models of Clippers so I'm left with either the difference is (1) model based, (2) a late 41 year change or another mystery. To be the best I can tell in varying pics, the only other similarity is the round versions seem to usually include the Fresh Air and Electromatic upgrade/button.

On a similar side note, I would love to see if the registry could get some feature to be able to include more pictures or even links to video tours (hosted elsewhere to save space, better performance). Being able to see/document the engine and interior I find as good reference points and nice to see.

The 41 Clipper or 1951 body style was a mid year introduction and was only offered as a sedan. It did have a dash very much like the other 41 models. Complete specs are in the April 41 Vol 15 #7 service letter and the photo below was taken from the 41 Clipper fact book also published in April 41..

In 42 the Clipper body style was offered in several models and engines and dash did go to the narrow row of instruments with round speedo and clock. That format was carried thru the 47 models but while the dash looks the same at a glance, the prewar face color is slightly different and printing on the instruments, speedo and clock is thicker with a more block like print than the postwar items. Side by side the differences are noticeable.

The Electromatic was new for 41 and Packard did promote and offer it as a standalone option so it could have been installed quite often. Dealers could have also ordered it on the new Clipper so the model would be loaded and have the latest and greatest. The fresh air control was also an option thruout but am not really sure how popular it was. Since it feeds air to the back of the heater and some heaters work better than others in accepting airflow thru the back, popularity might have been somewhat dependent on that option.

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  41 Clipper dash.jpeg (212.90 KB)

HH56's encyclopedic knowledge is boundless, as with his comment about the efficacy of fresh air ducting depending on sort of heater. Thanks as always, Howard.

Thanks a lot for all the info and history! Great to be able to capture it for reference and share with others who ask me.