Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

This picture makes my point exactly. This is apparently an early 55 before they added that upper color to the front fender and front door. IMHO this is the best of the 55 Clippers.

Quote: Isn't the above statement exactly the reason it was changed to the "busier" design that some don't like. Don't remember it being Pontiac as the car, but it was reported in one article that two cars were in close proximity at some point. Someone high up in marketing supposedly took one look at the similarity and ordered a change so as to avoid any confusion or chance of being accused of copying.

This Pontiac/Clipper comparison in '55 is confusing to me, not being much of a Poncho fan of that period. Was the paint scheme similar in that it had a downward curving swatch of contrasting color across the front door? That would be a distinctive enough touch that "copying" could be a consideration.

But the alternate trim shown on the pic of the beautiful Deluxe from the previous page, with the straight chrome spear and second color on only the upper rear fenders and trunk, looks nice in its own right, although not as distinctive as the sweep. Which style supposedly "copied" Pontiac?

Also, I believe, but don't know for sure, that the two trim styles in '55 were available on all Clippers throughout the model year. Es verdad?

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the pontiac is a smaller car.

I always thought the trim on the Clipper was an adaptation of the 54 Caribbean trim. It looks as though it was derived from that. Perhaps Pontiac copied it from the Caribbean??

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I'd say it looks pretty familiar, at that.

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The pic of the 55 Clipper at Warren really shows how nice the lines were, and what a great color combo too. It gives me much added appreciation for the 55s; I've been warming up to them more & more, as also with the 51-54s. The 55s had a good foundation to build on with their update, and corrected the biggest flaw, imho, the heavy handed 51-4 grille.