1946 Packard Super Clipper 8 Limousine

1946 Packard Super Clipper 8 Limousine

When Packard resumed production after World War II, it debuted its Twenty-First Series cars, which would be built for 1946 and 1947.  This series included many different models, the top of which is the Custom Clipper Super 8 Limousine.  The car boasted the largest engine capable of moving down the highway at over 100mph with 7 passengers seated comfortably. 

For consignment, a 1946 Packard Super Clipper 8 Limousine.  This is a largely original car with an earlier frame off restoration that polishes well and has some patina.  In 2010 an engine inspection was performed and all OEM parts were obtained to overhaul the drivetrain .  Full documentation, and  invoices are provided and it holds Milestone Status in the Vintage Motor Car Club of America, (VMCCA), and is approved a Full Classic by the AACA and Classic Car Club of America, (CCCA).

Exterior
This regal classic Packard has all the look of the Art Deco period utilizing plenty of horizontal ribs of chrome trimmings, long straight steel with well minded gaps, bulbous aero look, fade away fenders and long hood.  The flying swan leads the way and it is large enough to nearly have this limo take flight!  Perfectly apropos black paint is slightly patinaed and the chrome presents like new throughout this exterior.  A split glass front windscreen is on this car and like new trimmings are surrounding all the glass.  On the bottom is a wide rocker panel with thin trimmings which flares slightly outward from the body work.  The car has a 148-inch wheelbase and this offers up plenty of interior comfort space.  4 doors give access to the interior and rounded fenders on the back melt into a gently and tastefully curved rear trunk.  This limo floats on ultra wide whitewall tires that have chromed dog dish wheel coverings with a red badge in the center.  

Interior
Literally 2 sides of the coin for this interior in that the front is reserved for the driver and a passenger who sit in a black leather padded bench seat.  This bench shows in deep bolsters and a smooth back all which sits within a leather covered tub.   Art deco design is reserved for the front door panels which are covered in black leather with burl faux painted wood grained sills.  Some chrome is framing the armrest and window crank and the actuator is also chromed and has plenty of ribbing in the style.  This burl and faux straight grained wood continues for the dash which is also dripping in Art Deco with rectangular horizontal gauges in a chromed panel with a round sweep speedometer.  In the center is a lineup of chrome thick styled toggles for lighting and climate controls, as well as more horizontal ribbing in chrome for the speaker covering.  On the passenger's side is another round gauge in the form of a clock.  More burl is in front of the glove box and a heater is below.  The steering wheel is original and equally as impressive with its cream bakelite rim and 3/4 straight topped circle horn ring and central gold shield badge.  Very clean thick pile black carpeting is flooding the floor in front.  Just aft of the bench a roll up glass and steel partition is separating the rear passengers from the front.  For the back, the other side of the coin presents with wonderful tan stitched and padded broadcloth door panels, more painted burl edges and Art Deco styled levers.  2 thinly padded tan flip chairs rise out of the divider bottom and present seating for 2, but are nice and wide.  When in the down position, gold carpeting covers these floors and a foot rest resides in front of the rear bench.  This big bench is wonderfully padded tan broadcloth with cream piping on the edges. Armrests are in and an ash receptacle is inserted into the broadcloth covered side panels.   A wonderfully preserved cream headliner is above all the passengers.  Definitely the have and have nots for this interior.

Drivetrain
Under that long hood in a black engine bay resides a green painted block which specs out at 356ci and is an inline 8 cylinder engine which is known to be famously smooth running.  It has a single 2-barrel carburetor feeding it and in back is a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.  A 3.92 rear axle is noted on the back.  Beautifully preserved and running smooth as silk.

Undercarriage
Plenty of steel under here showing some paint chip off and surface rust although its very light.  Independent coil springs are in front, and leaf springs are on back providing the signature ride and drum braking is on all 4 corners.  A like new exhaust is running rearward.

Drive-Ability
It's nice to see how the other half lives and my partner in crime played the driver and I was the bossy rear passenger, keeping the divider glass open so I could jaw at him the entire time!  The car ran smoothly, shifted with no hesitation, and braking was very good.  The car has no radio, and the clock does not work.  Also the driver's side rear door glass is cracked.  All else was just perfect.

Back in the day there were a select few that could have access to a car like this and those who did took full advantage of its luxury.  A regal Packard from the immediate post war era which would be a nice addition to proudly display and garner attention in any collection of post war finery.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.