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https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1953-packard-clipper-4/

Solid green. nice. Currently $2,000

The head says 288

Good Morning...It seems to me that some folks changed the heads in order to obtain additional compression. It could also mean that the original head was damaged in some way...smarter folks than I will comment...Ernie in Arizona

I will not sign-up for Ernie’s last caveat of who might respond . . .

’53 Clipper ‘Standard’ Touring Sedan = 288 . . . . ‘Standard’ was added by me to emphasize the two different trims available.

’53 Clipper ‘Deluxe’ Touring Sedan = 327

The car in question has the side trim of the ‘standard’, and is not equipped with the rear fender ‘fins’ as found on the Deluxe. I would say the car is a ‘standard’ Touring Sedan and would be originally configured with a 288, however you’re only a crankshaft and connecting rod set away from a 327, perhaps via short block with the original head, or the lad is confused, or the lad is trying to maximize the sale price.

Hi

The manual shift with even the 288 would make this a better performer than the leisurely pace with Ultramatic. One of our region long-time Packard drivers swears by the 288 and stick since it is a shorter stroke engine, it takes higher revs in stride. Admitted one of his first Packards was a 200 with 288 out of which he 'beat the snot' and it took it.

Adding an overdrive would also make this drive even nicer. No relay is visible on the firewall, but anyone interested in bidding should question the seller if the car is overdrive equipped.

Good luck, hope it sells to a new appreciative owner, one who signs on here.

Steve