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

Just ran into this on a drive through town. The owner lives just a couple miles from me. Only had a few minutes to chat, but apparently this came out of a museum collection (not displayed) and has some history to it. It apparently participated in all the events shown on the car. The current owner has had it in several events as well.

It currently has a modern engine in it with other safety features (roll cage, disc brakes, etc,). Apparently producing somewhere around 900 lbs of torque currently.

Anyone seen this car before? I'll get more info from him. Never expected to see another Packard owner so close, even if it's not original.

I never saw that car before (it’s a 1953 Packard Clipper Deluxe by the trim) but I used to have a former 1951 Packard 300 race car for parts and still have its 327 with solid lifters in my shop. It was fitted with an Ultramatic and had dual exhaust as the pipes were still there although the manifold was long gone. It was also apparently rolled at one time as the roof was from a 1954 which, although it should have been obvious, I didn’t notice until I owned it for some years. It was grafted on very nicely inside and out.

No telling if it's authentic. Maybe a west coast knock off or update? Could have roots down in the continent, too.
Those panamera races caught the eye of the P execs and lead to the "panamera" custom model. I read about all that but don't exactly recall where or most details. Most likely it was in the PAC magazine, Cormorant, as a series, and I just threw out the last of my issues - yesterday - no doubt when you need something. It could be in another book or two I bought about the custom shop they used in Detroit. I've got too many things going right now, to do research for others.
Best to go to PAC and see if you can dig up some info under "panamera".

P racing history is small/handfull compared to other brands but has some limited period sport in most venues. P at that time was in difficulty/throws of demise and not supporting any racing teams/efforts. The L-heads suffered from the lack of HP to wt. That's another reason there's not many "speed" parts for them. cf, the ford flattie.

ps: I searched the Cretins racing and that's MC club, so who knows whats going on? Maybe our West Coast Rep, HH may have insight?