1953 Packard Clipper

Description

A numbers-matching straight-eight 1953 Packard Clipper sedan is always a sight at the car shows. But when it's this beautifully dressed in Pearl Blue and priced to move, this classic luxury sedan become irresistible.

Ask the Man Who Owns One... That was the famous motto about Packard's quality. This ultra-exclusive marque holds so much prestige that even the "affordable" Clippers were nearing Cadillac levels of luxury. That's why this sedan looks so good. The pastel blue paint not only looks period-correct, but it has a little extra luster from a more modern clearcoat respray. Also, all that brightwork rivals for the shine in the sunlight, and that's especially important on this sedan. These Clippers had plenty of chrome, and this one is complete, including the stylized multi-piece grille/bumper setup, jet hood ornament, two-piece trim that runs along every side panel. This one feels original and bright right down to the Packard factory hubcaps.

The interior is pure premium Packard style. Of course, we spot the aftermarket front seat cover, too, but it's a comfortable cloth that inspires a bit of fun in this classic. The true Packard luxury resumes the moment you sit behind the stylized factory wheel (with its jewelry-like horn ring), and gaze at the bright triple-pod factory gauges. Even the heat/defrost controls are classically fashionable in with their chrome switches.

Under the hood is the original 288 cubic-inch straight-eight motor. The engine bay has that honest, original, and driven appearance, which is the style people love to see today. The original downdraft carburetor with oil bath air cleaner still manages the fuel, and the single exhaust system has a pleasant eight-cylinder hum that's totally appropriate. But beyond the original feelings, you can see good regular maintenance, including a new fuel pump, points and spark plugs. That means it fires up with little encouragement needed and maintains Packard's signature smoothness. This is a luxury car, so it won't hot rod off the line. But the three-speed manual transmission gives you full control to command a huge amount of torque and any speed. This gives it a nice balance of nice performance with comfortable classic American luxury.

Post-war Packards are always a welcomed sight because they sold in such fewer numbers compared to their other Detroit luxury competitors. So you can make the scene just by showing up. Bet you can't do that in any other car for under $13K. Call today!!!