Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Well, this former '56 Pat owner (me) today made an agreement to buy an '56 Executive Touring Sedan from Sue & Bill Johnson who are well known members of Mid Atlantic Packards and owners of some truly gorgeous V8s. It's a red and white car originally from CA. I knew the previous owner in CT, and had even planned on buying it 5 yrs ago when a move interfered. It's currently at Ross's place in MD and a project, but hopefully a sound one. They did get it running sometime after it arrived in MD. No paperwork as yet, but will put it on Oz's registry, (or maybe it is already?) when I get it, and will post some pics when I can figure it out! Should be a fun project, and I'll be asking the Johnsons and ya'll for advice on a regular basis, no doubt.

Quote:G'day firedome,

Congratulations on the '56 Exec purchase, looking forward to seeing it in the Packard Owner's Registry. However it's not my Registry but your Registry, it's just that I have a somewhat "unhealthy" interest in helping it to continue to grow.

Congratulations also-a beautiful car and a favorite of mine (after the 56 Caribbean and 54 Pacific). The great 56 Clipper tail and the matching "finished" senior front end equals the best of both. Only wish Packard had completed it by putting in the senior style dash with instruments as well.

Thanks and I look forward to corresponding with fellow Exec owners... I know it needs a few minor trim pieces starting with the Circle and V for the rear deck

Perhaps you noticed that there's a number of Execs listed in the Packard Owner Registry. There are several Exec fans here, with hands-on experience, who actively participate in these forums and can offer advice.

Yes, Packard probably could have made the Executive a little more upscale with additional chrome interior trim (rather than painted like the Clipper), as well as Senior gauges, but that might have put the Exec too close to the Four Hundred. It seems like they were trying to bridge the gap between (too many) Juniors and (not enough) Seniors. All things considered, I think the Executive offers enough of the best of both worlds. Had my dad, a mechanic in a Packard dealership, not purchased a brand-new Exec hardtop in '56, I might never have caught the bug.

BTW, the '56 circle-vee ornamentation, front and rear, seems to be hard to come by, at least new. If the pieces on your car aren't good candidates for replate, I suggest keeping an eye on the swap meet tables of Packard specialists for used ones in better condition.

Meanwhile, you might want to take look at this thread:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=1245&forum=12&post_id=9886#forumpost9886

...for alternatives to plating.

The a spray-on process called SpectraChrome looks most promising:

http://www.sprayonchrome.com/index2.html

...but I haven't heard any reports on cost and durability.

Thanks for the plating tips - those parts are missing altogether, so I will have to find some first to plate! I'm sure looking forward to some swap meets this Spring, and then Gettysburg come July! Are there any Red & Black Execs in existence?

There is listed, in an old copy of the Packard V8 Roster, a 5677A owned by Mr. L. Grant in California (in 1989). The number is 5677A-1663 and the paint code is "VJ" (Corsican Black and Tangier Red).

Thanks for that info!! The car is presently Tangier Red and Dover White, but the Corsican Black & Red combo is gorgeous too and I wanted to make sure that '56 Execs were actually painted in that scheme before considering potentially making that color change. Decisions, decisions.